Dharmendra: A Punjab Icon Who Never Forgot His Roots

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Bollywood legend Dharmendra, who passed away at 89, left an indelible mark on Punjab, a state he called home. Despite his glamorous film career, Dharmendra remained deeply connected to his roots in the Ludhiana district, where he grew up in the villages of Dangon and Sahnewal. The residents of these villages remember him as a warm and humble person who often visited them unannounced, even as a superstar. In Sahnewal, Dharmendra's childhood home, now owned by Honey Singh, is still fondly referred to as 'Dharmendra Bhaji's house.' The house, originally belonging to Master Ramji Das, a teacher and friend of Dharmendra's father, has been sold and renovated, but its history remains unchanged. Dharmendra's aunt, Pritam Kaur, who is over 100 years old, recalls the actor's late-night visits to their ancestral village of Dangon. His cousin, Manjit Singh Deol, and his family remember how Dharmendra would often arrive after dark to meet them away from the crowds. Dharmendra's love for his roots was evident in his actions. He transferred his 19 kanals of agricultural land to his cousin's family, ensuring that his family bond remained strong. He also grieved deeply when his father and younger brother passed away during the Covid pandemic. Despite his demanding film career, Dharmendra often spoke about his regret at not being able to do more for his village. The people of Dangon and Sahnewal remember Dharmendra as a kind and generous person who never forgot his roots. They recall how he would often visit the sweetmeat shop of Satish Kumar in Sahnewal, where he would order large quantities of sweets for special occasions. The residents of both villages had been praying for his health since he was hospitalized in Mumbai earlier this month. As news of his passing spread, people gathered at the village common land near his childhood home to mourn his death. They remembered him as an affectionate elder who lived on in their hearts. Maya Devi, a 90-year-old woman who grew up with Dharmendra, broke down in tears, remembering their childhood days together. Dharmendra's legacy lives on in Punjab, a testament to his enduring connection to his roots and his people.