‘A legendary hero… immensely popular in Pakistan’: Rashid Latif mourns passing of Dharmendra
New Delhi – When the world learned that the celebrated Indian actor Dharmendra had passed away on Monday, the former Pakistani cricket captain Rashid Latif offered an emotional tribute, referring to the veteran as a global legend.
In a statement to LatestNewsX, Latif recalled, “Dharmendra ji was a legendary hero, and Sholay remains an all‑time classic. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy across the subcontinent and was immensely popular in Pakistan as well. My deepest condolences.”
Dharmendra, 89, had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai after struggling with breathing difficulties and was reportedly on a ventilator. He was discharged earlier that week to continue recovery at his home in Juhu, but the illness proved fatal.
Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra became one of India’s most enduring screen figures. His break came when Filmfare and Bimal Roy Productions launched a nationwide talent search in the late 1950s, a competition that launched his career and also spotted future star Rajesh Khanna. His good looks and natural charisma helped him stand out from the start.
His ascent was swift; he shone in romances, action flicks, and comedies alike, captivating audiences with his emotional depth, versatility and magnetism. The roles in Phool Aur Patthar and, especially, Sholay cemented his status as a household name. Playing the mischievous, lovable Veeru remains one of his most celebrated performances.
Across a career that stretched more than sixty years, Dharmendra earned India’s third‑highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan. His work left an indelible impact on generations of filmmakers and fans alike, building a fan base that crosses national borders—a rare achievement for any actor.
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