In a poignant throwback video, the late Bollywood legend reflects on his youthful bonds across religious lines in pre-Partition Punjab, describing tears, helplessness, and the innocence of childhood friendships.
Bollywood legend Dharmendra, who recently passed away at the age of 89, once opened up about his childhood during the Partition of India, sharing memories that were both poignant and deeply human. Born in Nasrali, Ludhiana district, Punjab, on December 8, 1935, Dharmendra recalled that he was just in class 8 when Partition upheaval shook his world.
In a conversation with actor Vinay Pathak, Dharmendra remembered two of his closest childhood friends, Abdul Jabbar and Akram, saying:
“Main class 8th mein tha. Abdul Jabbar, Akram, mere dost hua karte the. Hum itne pyaar se rehte the ke koi bhed-bhaav nahi tha.”
He emphasized that there was “not an iota of hatred among us,” highlighting the innocence and warmth of friendships before communal divisions took hold.
Dharmendra also spoke about Rukunuddin sir, their school teacher, who had to leave during Partition. He vividly recalled one instance where Rukunuddin walked home with his head bowed. Dharmendra ran to him, embraced him, and asked why he had to leave. The teacher replied softly, “Mujhe jaana hi padega” (“I have to go”), leaving a lasting impression on the young actor.
Dharmendra spent his early years in Sahnewal, attending Government Senior Secondary School in Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where his father served as headmaster. These early experiences in rural Punjab left a deep mark on his life, long before he rose to fame in Bollywood.
He went on to work in numerous acclaimed films with director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, including Anupama (1966), Majhli Didi (1967), Satyakam (1969), Guddi (1971), Chupke Chupke (1975), and Chaitali (1975), yet these childhood memories stayed with him throughout his life.
Following his passing, tributes poured in from across the film industry. Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone attended his last rites at Pawan Hans Crematorium, honoring his legacy.
Fans will also get one final glimpse of Dharmendra on screen in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis, where he plays the father of Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan.
Dharmendra’s memories of Partition reflect not just a historical moment but the enduring innocence of childhood friendships, transcending religion and reminding us of the bonds that define humanity.
Also Read : Dharmendra’s Last Film “Ikkis” to Release on December 25 — Check Details
