Kashmir artists mourn Dharmendra: ‘A legend with a special bond to the Valley’

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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24 Nov 2025

Srinagar, Nov 24: The death of veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra on Monday has plunged Kashmir’s artist fraternity into deep mourning, with many describing his passing as a “huge loss” and fondly recalling his long-standing affection for the valley and its people. Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Kashmiri filmmaker and festival director, told Rising Kashmir that Dharmendra was “a great human being and an extremely down-to-earth person”. “He always had immense love for Kashmir and Kashmiris. Whenever he visited the valley, he behaved like a local — that was his nature,” Khan said. Khan recalled inviting Dharmendra to Kashmir in 2017 and 2018 through actress Hema Malini. “Both of them were keen to visit Kashmir but couldn’t because his health was deteriorating,” he said. “They had deep affection for Kashmir and always sent their best wishes for my film festival.” Khan added that Dharmendra’s popularity in Kashmir was not limited to the artist community. “Ordinary Kashmiris adored him just as much,” he said. Actor Shahid Latief, originally from Kashmir, remembered filming the 1989 movie Elaan-E-Jung in the valley. “A major portion of the film was shot at Centaur Hotel, Dal Lake, Sonamarg and Pahalgam,” he said. “He loved travelling in Kashmir and interacting with people here. He had a strong circle of friends in the valley.” Latief noted that Dharmendra often preferred to shoot songs in Kashmir. “In the 70s and 80s, many of his most popular songs were filmed at scenic spots here,” he said. Kashmiri Bollywood actor Mir Sarwar said the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema shot numerous films in the region. “We have heard from our elders about his frequent visits for film shoots. His death is a major loss for the artist fraternity,” he said. Sarwar remembered the star power Dharmendra commanded across Kashmir. “People would never miss his movies. The style of action he brought to cinema made him hugely popular. Fans would go to great lengths just to watch his films,” he said. Sarwar also felt the actor did not receive the recognition he truly deserved. “He contributed outstanding performances throughout his career,” he added. Veteran actor Ayash Aarif, 62, recalled Dharmendra’s humility during a 1986 shoot in Srinagar. “He interacted warmly with fans on the set and engaged in long conversations with them. He was a man of great qualities,” Aarif said. Dharmendra also filmed productions such as Farishtay (1991) and Zalzala (1988) in Pahalgam and Budgam — an era still cherished in Kashmir’s cinematic legacy. Two years ago, the actor shared a photograph on social media with Kashmiri locals from the 1988 Zalzala shoot in Pahalgam, expressing hope of meeting them again someday. Best known as Veeru in the iconic 1975 blockbuster Sholay, Dharmendra starred in more than 300 films, delivering countless hits and captivating audiences for over six decades. Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning at his Mumbai residence after a brief illness. He was 89, just days away from his 90th birthday on 8 December 2025. His last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium. He had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on 31 October after experiencing breathlessness.