Dharmendra: A Star With a Heart That Never Changed
Dharmendra’s legacy in Indian cinema stretches far beyond the screen, who not only redefined the image of Hindi films but also became a household name through his sheer charisma and sincerity. But while audiences admired his on-screen power, it was his off-screen simplicity that made people love him even more. In an unpublished audio interview recorded during his brief comeback in 2007, the veteran opened up about the one thing in him that fame could never change is – his nature!
“Ek Cheez Insaan Ki Kabhi Nahi Badhalti…”
In this exclusive conversation with Lehren, he was asked whether life changed after creating a strong foundation for his sons to carry forward the Deol legacy. Speaking with his usual honesty, he responded, “I give to God. Ek cheez insaan ki kabhi nahi badhalti, jo fitrat hai, basic human nature… everybody is different nature. Toh meri fitrat mein kya hai, bhagwaan ne ek aisi cheez di hai – mohabbat. And I’m most blessed because…”
He explained that whether someone is close to him or simply meets him warmly, he treats everyone with the same affection. For him, human connection has no layers or limits.
Still the Same Dreamer!
During this chat from his early seventies age, he spoke about how the passion for cinema still lived in him with the same strength. He shared that despite decades in the industry, he never viewed himself as a big star. Instead, he always felt like the same young man who arrived in Mumbai with a dream of acting.
Somewhere in the middle of the conversation, he added another moment that reflected his nature and even after years of fame, he believed humility was his strongest foundation.
Dharmendra: “Koi Muskura Deta Hai Toh…”
When asked, “But once when you step out of the gate, you know you are Dharmendra? And not the boy who…?” the legend smiled and replied, “But mera kya hai, iske liye koi muskura deta hai, toh haath badha deta hoon; koi haath badha deta hai, seene se laga deta hoon – that is my nature.”
He further added, “That is my human nature, yeh badhal nahi sakti. This is my plus point, a blessing… if I tell you.”
In a career filled with countless iconic roles, it’s conversations like these that reveal the man behind the legend. His words remind us why generations continue to hold him close – not just for his films but for the warmth that defined him.
