Waheeda Rehman Recalls When 'Shy' Dharmendra Said 'I’m From Village, Would Like To Work With You Someday'

Dharmendra passed away at 89 after a long battle with illness and constant medical care. The news deeply saddened fans and colleagues, many of whom had been hoping for his recovery. Waheeda Rehman, one

of his most cherished co-stars from the 1960s through the 1980s, fondly remembered their warm working relationship. Their bond was so strong that she even appeared in his son Sunny Deol’s early film Sunny (1984).

Waheeda Rehman remembers Dharmendra

Speaking to Filmfare, Waheeda Rehman shared heartfelt memories, revealing lesser-known facets of Dharmendra’s personality, his humility, gentleness, and soft-spoken off-screen demeanor that starkly contrasted his on-screen image as a charismatic action star.

“Dharam ji was so soft-spoken”

Waheeda ji recalled meeting him backstage at a Filmfare Awards evening years ago. Despite his striking He-Man persona, he approached her with shyness and humility.Dharmendra told her, “I’m from a village, I would like to work with you someday.” To this, she responded, “Inshallah we will.”

“We didn’t speak much on sets”

Waheeda Rehman recalled that their first film together was Khamoshi (1969), where Dharam ji played a guest appearance because no other actor had agreed to do the part. “Hemant da asked Dharam to do it,” she said, adding that the iconic song Pukar lo tumhara intezaar hai features Dharmendra with his back to the camera.ALSO READ: Sharmila Tagore Is 'Very Sad' On Chupke Chupke Co-Star Dharmendra's Passing: We Felt Safe On Sets If He Were There

Memorable Chemistry in Phagun (1973)

Waheeda Rehman fondly recalled a moment from Phagun, where her character’s parents insult Dharmendra’s character, causing him to walk away in anger. Years later, Jaya Bhaduri’s character brings him back. She reflected on these memories briefly before adding that this moment is not about revisiting film careers, but about mourning a colleague she deeply respected.She concluded by praying for his soul and extending heartfelt condolences to his family.