Although he consistently expressed affection towards the media, the late actor Dharmendra Deol had moments where he lost his temper with certain journalists.
By Mayur Lookhar
Renowned actor Dharmendra Deol passed away in Mumbai on November 24, at the age of 89. This time, the news was not a rumor. The loss of the legendary star is being felt deeply by family, fans, the film industry, and individuals from various backgrounds.
Veteran journalists who have chronicled his six-decade career, which includes over 300 films, are in a prime position to offer tributes and obituaries. Meanwhile, younger journalists may share selfies with the star—those fortunate enough to have met him. Although this writer never had the chance to meet Dharmendra in person, a brief phone interview in 2017-2018 revealed his gratitude for the love he received throughout his career and life. His legacy is defined by the genuine affection he garnered from people across all walks of life.
Dharmendra was known as a man of the people, relishing the company of others and spreading joy. In a country like India, where celebrities are constantly in the public eye, he was generally warm and approachable. However, he also earned the nickname “Garam Dharam” (hot-headed Dharam), largely stemming from an incident in which he confronted journalists.
This noteworthy event took place on a warm day in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1986 when Dharmendra, alongside other stars, participated in a rally for a social cause. Naturally, the media was present to capture this significant moment.
Inderjit Pannu, a veteran journalist who witnessed the incident, recounted the infamous confrontation between Dharmendra and a journalist. What triggered this altercation?
“There was a journalist named M.R. Krishna from Cine Blitz magazine. He, along with another journalist, Devyani Chaubal from Star & Style magazine, had published a sensational story about Dharmendra and Hema Malini. A specific headline deeply upset Dharmendra,” Pannu explained. “During the rally, Dharmendra spotted Krishna and pursued him. A physical altercation ensued, requiring intervention to separate them. Chaubal, who witnessed the incident, quickly fled the scene.”
Another veteran media figure, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that several stars intervened to diffuse the situation. Following this incident, the perception of Dharmendra as “Garam Dharam” intensified, although this was not the full picture. Pannu described him as warm and welcoming.
“In terms of hospitality, no one could compare to Dharmendra. He went above and beyond for his media guests. Staff dressed in traditional Punjabi attire welcomed guests with fine scotch and exquisite food. Dharmendra was always cordial with the media,” Pannu added.
Another journalist echoed this sentiment, stating, “Dharmendra was an exceptional host, a genuinely warm individual who never took his fame too seriously. When inviting media to his gatherings, he would often say in Punjabi, ‘Baatein baat mein, pehle roti shoti kha lo’ (let’s eat first, and then talk).”
It is no surprise that Dharmendra was beloved by both the media and the public. His appeal continues to resonate with younger generations. Recently, when the trailer for “Ikkis” was released, social media was abuzz with praise for the veteran actor, who is expected to make a guest appearance in the upcoming Agastya Nanda-starrer set for Christmas release. The outpouring of tributes from young fans following his passing highlights his enduring popularity across all age groups.
Ideally, such a prominent figure would have a public farewell attended by many; however, his funeral was a private affair, with the media largely excluded. Inderjit Pannu expressed surprise at this. “Given the circumstances, it feels inappropriate to say this, but for someone who was a star throughout his life, the funeral felt akin to that of a junior artist, with very few attendees,” he remarked.
While he acknowledged the family’s need for privacy, Pannu felt that a legend like Dharmendra also belonged to his countless fans, some of whom should have had the opportunity to pay their respects.
Both Dharmendra and his elder son Sunny possess an aura of respect and intimidation. Recently, Sunny expressed his frustration with paparazzi for not respecting the family’s privacy during this challenging time. Two years ago, at a press conference celebrating the success of “Gadar 2,” Sunny reflected on the harsh criticism faced by the original film 22 years earlier. Although the media was delighted to celebrate the success of “Gadar 2,” Sunny’s comments serve as another example of the complex relationship between the Deols and the media.
A memorable moment showcasing this relationship occurred in 1997 when Dharmendra received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. As he took the stage, he spoke candidly about his experiences, revealing his feelings of being overlooked for the Best Actor award despite multiple nominations. This heartfelt moment exemplified the duality of Dharmendra’s character. Now that he has departed this world, one might imagine him sharing a drink and laughter with M.R. Krishna in the afterlife, reminiscing about the events of 1986. As a famous advertisement once stated, “Khoob jame ga rang, jab mil baithenge teen yaar, aap main aur Bagpiper.” Here’s to Hindi cinema’s He-Man.
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