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As a lifelong admirer of Naseeruddin Shah, I have always waited for his new film release with a sense of eager anticipation—even though I was never fortunate enough to witness his brilliance unfold on stage. My following of his journey in cinema began with Junoon, followed by the powerful Aakrosh, and from that point onward, an extraordinary filmography took shape.
The list of his performances is long, but what truly sets him apart is the unmistakable imprint he leaves in every role, especially in the world of parallel and non-mainstream cinema. Naseeruddin Shah never seemed to “act”—he simply became the character. His presence was natural, unforced, and deeply aligned with the soul of the person he portrayed.
In an era when conventional good looks were often considered essential for stardom, he was not someone the industry would have initially expected to rise to such prominence. Yet, his journey defied every assumption. Through sheer resilience, disciplined craft, and an unshakeable passion for storytelling, he carved out a place not just as a successful actor, but as a true artist—one whose work continues to elevate Indian cinema.
Naseeruddin Shah stands today as one of the finest performers the industry has ever known, a master of nuance and authenticity, and an enduring reminder that talent, honesty, and dedication can outshine every superficial barrier.
The more I try to find the right words to appreciate Naseeruddin Shah’s artistry, the more I realize how inadequate language feels in front of his talent. His performances are not merely acts on screen—they are experiences that stay with you long after the film ends. With every character he inhabits, he reveals new shades of humanity, as if peeling back layers of truth that only he has the courage to portray.
Whether in mainstream cinema or the quiet landscapes of parallel film, Naseeruddin Shah brings a rare sincerity that cannot be taught or imitated. His craft is subtle yet powerful, understated yet unforgettable. He doesn’t just perform a role; he gives it life, depth, and a soul of its own.
There is a quiet brilliance in him—an integrity of purpose, a devotion to the art of storytelling—that sets him apart from almost anyone of his generation. In an industry often swayed by glamour and surface appeal, he stood firm with nothing but raw talent, discipline, and relentless passion. And through that, he became an institution in himself.
It is difficult to summarise his contribution because he has expanded the very meaning of acting in Indian cinema. Words fall short; admiration feels small; but his work continues to speak for him, louder than any tribute ever could.
Updated on: 30 November,2025 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai
mid-day online correspondent
Hema Malini’s Tweet
Two separate prayer meetings were held for Dharmendra on November 27 — one by Prakash Kaur with Sunny and Bobby Deol, and another by Hema Malini with daughters Esha and Ahana
Dharmendra
In a surprising turn of events, two separate prayer meetings were held in the memory of the late Dharmendra on the same day - November 27. The veteran star passed away on November 24 at his home in Mumbai.
Finding the right words to honour someone adored by millions is always challenging—and it feels especially true in the case of Dharmendra’s passing. The year 2025 will be remembered as a difficult chapter for Bollywood, marked by the loss of iconic personalities like Manoj Kumar, Asrani, Satish Shah, and now Dharmendra.
Countless memories and anecdotes surface when one looks back on Dharmendra’s journey. He once shared, with his trademark simplicity, that he used to get a new suit stitched every year for the Filmfare Awards, hoping that perhaps that year he might finally receive the trophy he felt he had earned. Yet when the award didn’t come, he never complained. Instead, he would say that the affection he received from the audience was far greater than any trophy could ever bring. That humility was the essence of Dharmendra.
A man deeply connected to his roots, he carried a simplicity and warmth that made people feel close to him—even from afar. Bollywood has seen legends such as Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, and Rajesh Khanna—icons whose cinematic legacy will endure for generations. But with Dharmendra, there was something more: his fans cherished him not only for his stardom but for the goodness of the human being behind it.
He openly admitted that he never cared to race to the top of the professional ladder. All he wanted was to remain steady, sincere, and true to the work he loved. A life free of pretence, filled with generosity, kindness, and an easy-going grace—these qualities made Dharmendra beloved in a way few stars ever are.
Films like Satyakam and Chupke Chupke should have earned him far greater formal recognition as a natural and gifted actor. Yet he remained content, grateful for whatever came his way. Perhaps that is what made him truly remarkable—a man who never measured his worth through awards but through love, relationships, and authenticity.
Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema, and the warmth he brought to people’s lives, will be remembered for years to come.
“Dharmendra: Not Just a He-Man by Rajiv M. Vijayakar is a biography that chronicles the actor’s life, highlighting the years of struggle he faced before destiny gradually led him to stardom.”
The book recounts many interesting events from Dharmendra’s early days, including how he and Manoj Kumar began their film careers around the same time and soon became close friends. It also describes a moment when Dharmendra, disheartened, almost decided to quit the industry, but was persuaded to continue by Manoj Kumar. ”Dharmendra’s early life was marked by instability, hardship, and both emotional and financial insecurity.
The book notes that his simple dreams were to own an apartment and a Fiat car—goals he eventually achieved, even if the car was a used one. His talent began to gain recognition with films such as "Bandini", "Anpadh", Devar, "Main Chup Rahungi".
This early success was followed by two major milestones: "Haqeeqat (1964) and" Phool Aur Patthar (1966)." These films ushered in a new phase of fame for him, with "Phool Aur Patthar"—which Dharmendra himself described as the ‘Sholay" of the 1960s’—becoming the launching pad that ensured he never looked back. It was around this time that he earned the iconic title of ‘He-Man.’”
Films like "Satyakam" "Shikar", "Aankhen", "Aadmi Aur Insaan", "Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke", "Jeevan Mrityu", "Sharafat", "Naya Zamana", "Seeta Aur Geeta","Samadhi","Loafer", "Jugnu" "Yaadon Ki Baraat" and finally "Sholay" were among most successful films he will be known for. But besides destiny on his side, hard work , sincerity with simplicity and his love for people and films that contributed to his enormous success.
There is ample material across books, magazines, and the web celebrating the legends of Hindi cinema, yet Dharmendra’s rise and lasting success hold a special charm of their own. My memories go back to the early 1960s, when I first saw a few of his early films such as Neela Akash, Devar, and Anpadh. Even in those performances, Dharmendra stood out—handsome, dignified, and effortlessly expressive. One of my aunties was an admirer, and I still remember how often he appeared on the covers of Filmfare, a sign of both his popularity and the industry’s growing confidence in him.
As his career progressed, some of the finest directors of the era—most notably Hrishikesh Mukherjee—began casting him in roles that blended sensitivity with star presence. Films like Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Milan Ki Bela, and Ankhen became major box-office hits, establishing him as a leading man who could handle drama, romance, and action with equal ease.
When Aradhana released in 1969, Rajesh Khanna became an overnight phenomenon, setting off a wave that swept through the industry and briefly overshadowed almost every other actor. Yet,Dharmendra remained the one star who was not shaken by this shifting tide. His career continued its steady upward rise, powered not by hype but by consistent performances, a devoted fan base, and a versatility that allowed him to flourish across genres.
The early 1970s marked a new phase, especially with his pairing opposite Hema Malini. Together, they delivered a string of successful films that captivated audiences across the country. By the mid-1980s, Dharmendra and Hema Malini had become one of the most beloved and respected star couples in Indian cinema—a partnership that eventually grew into a real-life marriage, adding a fairy-tale touch to their story.
Known as the “He-Man of Hindi cinema,” he combined rugged charm with down-to-earth simplicity — a rare blend that kept female admirers devoted to him for over sixty years.
Maintaining decades-long popularity and success is a rare feat in Indian cinema. Dharmendra stands out in Hindi films, while in the South, only legends like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan can be counted among his peers
Jeetendra established himself more as a star than an actor initially with a tag name “Jumping Jack”
which referred to his energetic, bouncing dancing in film like “Farz” and 1970-80 films.
However, Gulzar was instrumental in bringing screen image change for him in Films like “Parichay”, “Khusboo” “Kinara”
Listen to what he said in an interview about Gulzar
