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If you take even a brief look at veteran actor Dharmendra’s X (formerly Twitter) account, you’ll notice that almost every few posts are devoted either to remembering the late legendary superstar Dilip Kumar or to expressing heartfelt gratitude for the profound impact he had on his life. But the affection and admiration were never one-sided. Dilip Kumar, too, shared a deep fondness for Dharmendra. An old, beautiful interview between the two, conducted in refined Urdu and filled with mutual warmth, perfectly captures the grace and sincerity of their bond.
The conversation, aired on Colors Cineplex, features Dharmendra speaking with deep emotion about his beloved senior: “I’ve said it before, he is my very soul. It’s because of him, I’m here in this film industry. He is the radiant sun of our cinematic heaven, from whose light I’ve kindled the flame of my own aspirations. Whenever I feel low, I just go and embrace him, that gives me strength again. I pray to Allah that his love always remains upon us. He is great, and honestly, what can one say about someone so supreme?”
Dharmendra went on to clarify that their relationship went far beyond mere friendship. “This isn’t just friendship, he is my elder brother. Sometimes, I can’t even believe that I’m sitting beside him.” Speaking about Dilip Kumar’s unparalleled artistry and enduring legacy, Dharmendra added: “I must say, every actor who has come after him carries, somewhere within, a trace of Dilip Saab’s style, even if unintentionally. During my college days, I even tried to style my hair like his, hoping that someday I’d get to act alongside heroines like Madhubala or Kamini Kaushal. And somehow, destiny brought me close to him, perhaps it was the Almighty’s will.”
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In response, a visibly moved Dilip Kumar smiled and said softly, “May Allah keep him happy. His heart is as pure as his emotions.” Interestingly, Dharmendra had regarded Dilip Kumar as a brother even before meeting him. He recounted this anecdote, in the autobiography, Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow. In 1952, while still a student in Ludhiana, Dharmendra visited Mumbai for a short trip, determined to meet the legendary actor. His admiration was so strong that on the second day of his visit, he went to Dilip Kumar’s house and found himself standing at the star’s bedroom door. Startled, Dilip Kumar screamed in terror, prompting a flustered Dharmendra to dash out immediately.
While, Dilip Kumar left us in 2021, Dharmendra, who has been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital since October 31, is reportedly recovering well and is in a stable condition, according to sources close to the family.
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