Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday paid heartfelt tribute to Bollywood legend Dharmendra at a prayer meeting in Delhi, calling the superstar a “patriot with a clean and pure heart.” Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, was remembered for his versatility on screen and his dedication to the nation.
Speaking at the event, Shah said he never met Dharmendra personally but recalled a phone call from the actor during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, was contesting from Mathura. Dharmendra had sent a letter to be read out at her campaign rally, urging her victory by a large margin. Shah emphasized that he attended the prayer meet as a fan, not as the Home Minister.
“Dharmendra ji entered the film industry at a time when there was neither money nor luxury. Through sheer hard work, he rose to iconic status. He could effortlessly portray Veeru in Sholay and the comedic Parimal Tripathi in Chupke Chupke,” Shah said. He also praised Dharmendra for his roles in patriotic films, particularly Aankhen, describing him as a true patriot whose love for the country went beyond acting.
The prayer meeting was organized by Hema Malini and attended by several prominent leaders, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Shah noted that Dharmendra’s passing was a great loss not just to the film industry but to the nation.
Dharmendra, often celebrated as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, was a farmer’s son who became one of Indian cinema’s most enduring icons, leaving behind a legacy of versatile performances and patriotic fervor. His contributions continue to inspire generations of actors and fans alike.
