‘Dharmendra’s Charm Was Completely Natural,’ Remembers Sharmila Tagore
Veteran actress reflects on decades of collaboration with co-star Dharmendra, praising his natural charm and screen presence
Mumbai, Nov 30; Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore fondly remembered her long-standing friendship and on-screen partnership with Dharmendra, saying, “We shared the same birthday (8th December). He was my co-star in seven films. I knew he was not keeping good health. But the news of his passing is still very saddening.”
Tagore worked with Dharmendra in a range of films, from the serious drama Satyakam and Anupama to the commercial hit Mere Humdum Mere Dost. Recalling their time together, she said, “Shooting with him was a breeze. He was as effortless on screen as he was off it. He was never ‘The Star’ on the sets, always his natural self. There was nothing put-on about him.”
She recalled their first meeting on the sets of Yash Chopra’s Waqt: “I don’t know in what context he was there. But I remember he was dressed… not like a star at all. When someone complimented him, he hugged that person with such sincerity. That genuineness stayed with him.”
Sharmila Tagore also spoke about missed opportunities to work together, including Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which she couldn’t do due to illness. Their last film collaboration was Sunny, in which Dharmendra made a cameo for his son Sunny Deol.
Highlighting Chupke Chupke as the pinnacle of their collaboration, she said, “Wherever I go, fans mention Chupke Chupke as their favourite. I am sure Dharmendra also got the same reaction from the public. When I was ill, I watched it and laughed quite a lot. It is a rare comedy that continues to be funny over the years. We don’t make too many genuinely funny comedies.”
Through her reflections, Tagore captured not just the legendary actor’s professional excellence but also his warmth, humility, and enduring connection with audiences.
