Dharmendra Died: Dharmendra Passes Away at 89, Phagwara Remembers its Humble Son and Childhood Memories

Bollywood's iconic actor, Dharmendra, often referred to as the 'He-Man'. Of Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 89. He had been grappling with age-related health issues for some time and bid farewell to the world on Monday. The news of his demise has plunged the entire nation into mourning, with a particularly profound sense of loss. Felt in Phagwara, the town where Dharmendra spent his formative years and maintained an unbreakable bond throughout his illustrious life.

An Unbreakable Bond with Phagwara

Confirmation of Demise and Widespread Mourning

Dharmendra never forgot his childhood days in Phagwara. During his visits to Punjab, he made it a point to stop in Phagwara and dedicate time to meet his childhood friends. This consistent effort underscored his deep affection for his hometown and his commitment to cherishing old relationships, while when he was suddenly admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on November 10 due to a sudden deterioration in his health, his childhood friends and admirers in Phagwara's temples and gurdwaras offered fervent prayers for his swift recovery. During this period, rumors of his passing had also circulated, but doctors later discharged him, allowing him to return home where he was receiving care. The news of his actual demise on Monday sent a fresh wave of grief across the nation. Filmmaker Karan Johar officially confirmed the sad news through a social media post, making the heartbreaking announcement public. Prior to this, IANS had also reported his passing, leaving fans and the film industry in shock, while dharmendra's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy and his profound connection to Phagwara will forever remain etched in memory.

Childhood Companions and Early Life

In Phagwara, Dharmendra's closest childhood companions included social worker Kuldeep Sardana, Harjeet Singh Parmar, and Advocate Shiv Chopra. These individuals were with him from the days when he was simply known as 'Dharam,' long before he achieved widespread fame. Dharmendra's father, Master Kewal Krishan Chaudhary, was a mathematics and social studies teacher at Arya High School. Dharmendra himself matriculated from the same Arya High School in. 1950 and continued his higher education at Ramgarhia College until 1952. This early period of his life in Phagwara laid the foundation for the remarkable personality he would become.

Humility Amidst Stardom

Senior Advocate S. N. Chopra, a classmate of Dharmendra at Arya High School, often remarked that Dharmendra possessed a unique radiance that set him apart. Crucially, fame never altered his inherent humility. According to Harjeet Singh Parmar, whenever Dharmendra visited Phagwara, he. Arrived not as a star, but as a cherished friend. He loved sitting with his friends, reminiscing about old times, sharing jokes, and reliving cherished memories, while this speaks volumes about his down-to-earth nature and his unwavering connection to his roots.

The Ramleela Rejection Story

Despite his immense fame, Dharmendra's bond with Phagwara never diminished. He spent countless unforgettable evenings in Phagwara, sharing anecdotes about his school days, his teachers, the old Paradise Theatre, and the evolving landscape of the city. In one particularly amusing anecdote, Dharmendra once recounted how, before his acting career took off,. He was rejected for a role in a Ramleela organized by the Kaumi Sevak Ramleela Committee. Years later, he playfully teased his friends, asking if he could get a role in the Ramleela now, a testament to his sense of humor and his ability to fondly recall his past with a lighthearted spirit.

Phagwara Zindabad!

His deep affection for Phagwara was vividly demonstrated in 2006 when he returned to inaugurate the Gurbachan Singh Parmar Complex, which stood on the site of the old Paradise Theatre. Before thousands of people, Dharmendra passionately chanted 'Phagwara Zindabad! ', a moment that deeply moved everyone present. Harjeet Singh Parmar once shared a touching memory of Dharmendra and his wife Prakash Kaur visiting his home and seeking blessings from his mother. He recounted how Dharmendra treated them like family, emphasizing that for him, they weren't just friends but an integral part of his extended family. This highlights Dharmendra's humane side and his profound value for relationships, establishing him. Not only as a legendary actor but also as a truly genuine individual.