Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away recently at the age of 89. The He-Man of Bollywood, known for his charming smile, powerful screen presence, and versatile roles, leaves behind a legacy that few can ever match. As the industry and millions of fans remember the veteran star, we look back at some of his candid moments, including a special wish he once shared about who he believed should portray him in a biopic, a choice that perfectly shows the warmth he shared with actors from the industry.

In an exclusive interview with Filmfare in 2015, Dharmendra spoke about the process of putting his life down on paper. He confessed with his signature honesty, “I am writing my autobiography. I write a few notes and keep it aside. I am lazy.” But the conversation took an interesting turn when the topic of a film adaptation came up. Dharmendra had an immediate choice for the lead role, saying, “Salman Khan will be the only and best choice to play me in a biopic.”

This quote highlighted the special, father-son-like bond shared between Dharmendra and Salman Khan. The two actors always maintained a deeply cordial and loving relationship that spanned decades. Salman has often spoken of his deep respect for Dharmendra, frequently referring to him as a father figure in the industry.

The feeling was mutual and incredibly strong from Dharmendra’s side. On many occasions and at various public events and shows, the senior actor spoke about his affection for Salman. He went as far as to lovingly declare that Salman was like his third son, joining his own sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Dharmendra believed he saw a reflection of his own young, spirited self in Salman, a connection that perhaps made him believe that only Salman could truly do justice to his journey on the silver screen.

As the fans and the entire film fraternity mourn for this immense loss, this special quote reminds us not just of Dharmendra’s incredible career but also of the genuine relationships he built with friends from the industry.

Also Read: PHOTOS: Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and More Attend Dharmendra’s Last Rites

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