How Dharmendra reacted when Amitabh Bachchan complimented Hema Malini on working so hard: ‘He’s the engine of film industry’

Bachchan praised Hema Malini’s incredible work ethic, saying, “Jaya (Bachchan) ji keeps telling me how much work Hema (Malini) ji does, we don’t do as much work as her. She is into politics, goes to the Parliament, takes care of Mathura (her constituency), she even dances, she has dance performances, she also sings… We don’t do anything. But I guarantee you that we’ll also try to do something like that now.”

Dharmendra, known for his wit, responded with a tongue-in-cheek remark, “How much lies Amit has said here! Puri industry ka engine bana hua hai (He has become the engine of the film industry). We all follow him chook chook karke (like the compartments of a train). I see at what speed he is going. I try to be like him but yeh jawan bacchha mera haath nahi aataa 9″Yeh jawan bacchha mera haath nahi aata (I can’t keep up with this energetic young fellow)”, he keeps doing something or the other.” Dharmendra’s admiration for Amitabh is evident as he affectionately called him “mera pyara chhota Bhai hai, jee-jaan se pyara hai (He’s my beloved younger brother, closer to my heart than my own life),” and acknowledged that “whatever he does will be a lesson for us to follow.”

The veteran actor also shared a sweet memory about Jaya Bachchan, referring to her as “my lovely Guddi (referring to their 1971 film Guddi).” He recalled how she would watch his films and even shared a visual from one of his movies where he was sitting on a chair giving autographs. Dharmendra confessed that Jaya holds a special place in his heart, saying “She is like my daughter, my sister, she is everything.”

This endearing sentiment is a testament to the strong bonds between these Bollywood legends. Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra have a long history of collaboration, having worked together in iconic films like Sholay (1975), Chupke Chupke (1975), and Ram Balram (1980). Their enduring friendship and mutual respect make for a delightful aspect of Bollywood’s rich history.