Dharmendra died in Mumbai on November 24 at the age of 89. The legendary actor, who made his debut with the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, never shied away from trying new things. He challenged norms - and how. There is a reason why Dharmendra is known as the He-Man of Bollywood.
And of course, how can we forget him in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani? At 87, he broke age stereotypes by kissing veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who was 73 at the time, in Karan Johar's 2023 film.
When asked about the viral kiss at Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani's success meet, Dharmendra said, "Yeh toh mere baayen haath ka khel hai. Bohut maza aaya. Jab jab mauka milta hai, chhakka maar deta hoon (This is such an easy task for me. I had a great deal of fun. Whenever I get an opportunity, I make full use of it)."
The veteran star also talked about the kiss sequence in a conversation with News18. He said, “I am hearing that Shabana [Azmi] and I have surprised the audience with the kissing scene, and at the same time, they have even applauded it. I think people weren't expecting it and it came very suddenly, which is why it created an impact.”
Dharmendra added, “The last time I did a kissing scene was in Life In A Metro with Nafisa Ali and at that time too people had appreciated it."
Additionally, Dharmendra noted that romance had no age limit. Elaborating on the matter, he shared, “When Karan [Johar] narrated the scene to us, I didn't get excited. We [Shabana Azmi, Karan Johar and Dharmendra] understood it and I realised that it was something that the film required and wasn't forcefully put in and I said I will do it.”
“Age is just a number and two people, irrespective of age, will show their love for each other by kissing. Shabana [Azmi] and I both did not feel any kind of awkwardness while doing it,” he revealed.
Nafisa Ali fondly remembered Dharmendra by sharing a photo of them from Life In A Metro, writing, "My prayers surround you, Dharam. I will never forget you and send my strength to your precious family. It's a sad day. May you be at peace."
Meanwhile, Shabana Azmi paid her final respects to the legendary actor at the Pawan Hans crematorium.
Dharmendra's last film is Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda in the lead role. The film is based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher are also part of the cast.