Adieu Dharam Paaji: The ever-graceful hero
He made you laugh, he made you cry, he made you think - that was the grace and greatness of the ever-smiling face that ruled six decades of Hindi cinema. Lovingly called Dharam Paaji, the simpleton from Punjab who made it big — in fact, larger than life — in the tinsel town of India will be remembered as much for the roles he played as for the person he was: gentle, humble, gracious, compassionate and radiating confidence and charm.
The iconic Bollywood actor passed away at the age of 89, just two weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8 and a month before the release of his upcoming film Ikkis on December 25. The legendary actor leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable movies and evergreen dialogues that will keep him alive in everyone’s hearts.
The passing of Dharmendra on November 24 marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. For more than six decades, he embodied a rare blend of charm, humility and versatility —qualities that made him not just a great actor but an adorable human being.
Dharmendra’s rise from a small town in Punjab to the heights of Hindi cinema is, in itself, a story of determination and quiet resilience. Beginning his career in the early 1960s, he quickly became the poster boy of a new kind of masculinity — handsome yet gentle, strong yet sensitive. With expressive eyes and effortless dialogue delivery, he brought authenticity to every role he portrayed.
His body of work is a catalogue of Hindi cinema’s evolution. Phool Aur Patthar established him as the rugged yet compassionate hero; Satyakam remains one of Indian cinema’s finest explorations of moral courage; as Veeru in Sholay, he created a lasting cultural imprint and became a household name.
In his later years, Anupama, Chupke Chupke and Khamoshi showcased him as a versatile actor who could deliver comedy and romance with the same ease as action. Dharam Paaji, as he was affectionately known, was more than a versatile actor — he was a compassionate and humble human being who welcomed everyone with open arms. He was known for treating everyone — from co-stars and technicians to junior artists — with warmth and respect.
Despite his extraordinary fame, he remained rooted in the soil of his upbringing. Stories abound of how he patiently interacted with fans, protected colleagues during difficult shoots, and kept an open, generous heart for anyone in need. His sensitivity was both his artistic strength and his personal signature.
He often displayed a vulnerability that made him relatable and endearing. Dharam Paaji will also be remembered for his hilarious dialogues and comedy sequences that continue to resonate even after 50 years.
As the curtains fall on his remarkable journey, India bids farewell to a superstar, a pioneer and, above all, a true gentleman. Travel well, Dharam Paaji!
