By Jayram Sataluri
When the information of Dharam Paaji’s hospitalization broke 2 weeks again, I stored tabs on his well being. I began rereading every little thing I might about him and his movies and rewatched a bunch of his movies on YouTube like Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Anupama, Bandini, Phool Aur Patthar, Blackmail, Dost, Azaad, Dillagi and Johnny Gaddaar. I had already watched his “classics” like Satyakam, Sholay and Chupke Chupke way back. All of the songs picturized on him that I grew up listening to immediately got here again to me.
Why was this affecting me greater than the passings of Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor? Why after Amitabh, was he the individual I needed to observe extra of even when the movies he did deteriorated in high quality? What connection did he have with me although I used to be not alive throughout his “heyday”? Was it due to Sunny and Bobby? Was it due to Dream Woman Hema Malini? Was it due to his songs? Was it as a result of beneath the “He-Man” was a delicate teddy bear?
These ideas and feelings about Dharam Paaji are quickly popping out of me, so it’s crucial that I write this now earlier than I overlook.
The primary film I keep in mind watching Dharmendra as a toddler rising up within the Nineties was Sholay on VHS. Although I gravitated in direction of Amitabh and Sanjeev Kumar, Dharam Paaji was on par with them. Kishore’s energetic voice synced with Dharam’s antics. He did motion, romance, comedy, “tragedy”; he didn’t miss a single beat. May it’s one of many best performances in Masala historical past? That could be a subjective matter I’ll let the commentators struggle over.
Earlier than VHS was changed by DVDs and musicindiaonline.com was an enormous deal, I used to hearken to lots of basic Bollywood music; this spans from 1949 to 1980 one thing. That is the place I thank my mother and father, grandparents and family members for exposing me to basic cinema. I’d see some picturizations of the basic songs, however more often than not I used to be devouring these songs whether or not in cassette, CD or mp3. Musicindiaonline helped loads as a result of I used to be capable of tie a tune to a selected actor. So, I’d quiz my dad and a few of his associates on this; I generally gave a touch if they may not acknowledge who it was picturized on. One time my dad mentioned, “Dream Woman” was picturized on Dev Anand and I angrily retorted, “How might you get this so incorrect, it’s Dharmendra!” Later, they might quiz me on the tune by muting the TV and I virtually at all times bought it proper.
When DVDs rolled round, there have been a bunch of basic compilations of songs; one DVD could be Rafi solely, different could be 70s hits, and so forth. That’s after I watched Chupke Chupke and have become extra impressed with Dharam Paaji and his excellent comedian timing. Then I watched these songs picturized on him, particularly the Rafi and Kishore Kumar ones. Generally a Mukesh or Hemant Kumar would sing for him. What I particularly loved about these songs is that Dharmendra simply knew learn how to emote throughout these songs. To not say that others couldn’t (Rishi Kapoor was one other sensible one) however he simply had this fashion of not simply connecting with the lyrics, the feelings, however even with the playback singers themselves. And this got here from a man who didn’t even go to school! So many memorable songs, however I’ll decide fifteen for now.
Blackmail – Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Tum Rehti Ho – Kishore Kumar
Yehi Hai Tamanna (HD) – Aap Ki Parchhaiyan Track – Dharmendra – Supriya Choudhury
Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe – Mohammed Rafi, Dharmendra, Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi, Romantic Track
Ya Dil Ki Suno – Dharmendra – Sharmila Tagore – Anupama – Hemant Kumar – Evergreen Hindi Songs
Aaya Hai Mujhe Phir Yaad (HD) – Devar Songs – Dharmendra – Sharmila Tagore – Mukesh
Most important Nigahe Tere Chehre Se | Mohammed Rafi Hit Songs | Dharmendra | Romantic Songs
Tum Pukar Lo Tumhara Intezar Hai | Hemant Kumar | Khamoshi 1969 Songs| Rajesh Khanna
Duniya O Duniya Tera Jawab Nahi | Dharmendra | Naya Zamana 1971 | Superhit Track
Kya Nazare Kya Sitare (HD) | Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973) | Mumtaz | Dharmendra | Kishore Kumar Hits
Kishore Kumar Ka Dard – Dekha Hai Zindagi Ko Kuchh Itna Kareeb Se 4K – Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore
Sa Re GA Ma – Geet Pahle Bana Tha ya – Kishore Kumar – Mohammad Rafi – Chupke Chupke
Kisi Shayar Ki Ghazal Dream Woman 4K | Kishore Kumar | Dream Woman (1977) | Dharmendra, Hema Malini
Ek Hello Khvaab Kai Baar Dekhaa (Video Track) – Kinara – Hema Malini, Dharmendra
Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na The-Shalimar 1978 HD Video Track, Dharmendra
In his first ever scene in his first movie, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, he appears so awkward in his appearing and appears. His voice is comfortable and boyish. You’ll be able to inform he was a pawn within the fingers of the director and isn’t the star he would quickly develop into. In his first couple of movies, he co-starred alongside Balraj Sahni, Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor and he had a presence then that softly however firmly introduced his arrival to cinema. Then Bandini comes and his portrayal of the supportive physician to Nutan and Ashok Kumar’s powerhouse performances, I consider made filmmakers and audiences take discover of him. He begins steadily rising and takes the lead in movies like Haqeeqat. Meena Kumari takes him beneath his wing and in Ganga Ki Lahren, he shares a scene or two with Kishore Kumar who later sings for him!
In 1966, a star is born with Phool Aur Patthar. We see the toughness that turns into entrenched in his larger-than-life persona in a while. His voice has gained tough edges, but he’s tender within the scenes together with his “mentor” Meena Kumari. Can we are saying he’s develop into the He-Man? However wait, not so quick! Subsequent is Anupama, which is one other feather in his cap. I can’t recover from his lovely portrayal of a poet who evokes Sharmila Tagore’s character to get out of her shell and uncover who she really is. What was a sigh of aid is that he doesn’t decide or put her in her place; he’s extra of a progressive man. And “Ya Dil Ki Suno” is a cherry on high.
And right here comes Satyakam. We all know Satyapriya Acharya. As per his title, he’s dedicated in direction of fact and dwelling a righteous life. Although he does undergo a second of weak spot, he’s unwilling to compromise his ideas. Even in direction of the top of his life, he doesn’t waver. Somebody like Aman or Madan can write a Readers Write In on Satyakam, its themes and politics and what Hrishikesh Mukherjee was actually attempting to painting, however I’ll deal with Dharam Paaji. He performs Satyapriya with nice sensitivity, solely elevating his voice and bringing some toughness each time obligatory particularly within the scene the place he and Sanjeev Kumar’s Naren argue in regards to the corruption of ethics. You possibly can say it’s a precursor to the Indignant Younger Man that turns into synonymous with Amitabh. He simply captures Satyapriya’s unwavering mindset, his calm demeanor, his kindness and graciousness in direction of Sharmila Tagore’s Ranjana and her son and his eyes simply do the speaking when Satyapriya is on his deathbed. One can see the potential of Dharmendra’s appearing prowess all through the movie. Whether or not he simply adopted what Hrishikesh Mukherjee instructed him to do or used his instinct to painting Satyapriya is up for debate, however it’s one among his best performances if not his best.
Sadly, Satyakam together with Khamoshi (which he visitor starred) flops and Rajesh Khanna mania takes over Bollywood. And Bollywood begins gravitating in direction of Masala as nicely. Due to his beauty and physique, Dharam Paaji is an ideal match for the latter. He’s now the He-Man of Bollywood. In Mera Gaon Mera Desh, one of many precursors to Sholay, his transformation from a thief to the protector of the village is terrific. There may be one humorous scene the place he’s taught learn how to shoot a gun and might’t shoot correctly till his mentor does a trick and he will get the hold of it. Some folks might imagine, “Wait a minute, he’s the He-Man! How can he not know learn how to shoot?” They’d most likely say one thing related as soon as they see Amitabh’s ‘preventing’ in his first movie, Saat Hindustani. Although I’m extra impressed with Vinod Khanna because the villain and Laxmi Chhaaya in addition to a few of the cinematography, Dharam Paaji exhibits he’s a formidable He-Man. He takes a supporting function in Seeta aur Geeta together with his future beau Hema Malini and is pleasant. Then 1973 rolls round the place he does about 9 movies out of which Black Mail and Yaadon Ki Baaraat are probably the most memorable. Yaadon Ki Baaraat is termed to be the primary ever Masala film and Dharam Paaji who surprisingly doesn’t get any songs has an awesome scene the place he hears the title monitor sung by Kishore and Rafi (picturized on his youthful brothers Vijay Arora and Tariq) and breaks down. Subsequent in 1974 is Dost the place riffing on his Satyapriya character, he’s a do-gooder who’s dedicated to creating a greater society and within the course of works on reforming Shatrughan Sinha. The background tune, Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai by Kishore is a poignant reminder of life and stays a companion of Dharam Paaji’s character.
I already talked about Sholay, so let’s transfer on to his different incredible efficiency, Chupke Chupke. All people is aware of about this movie; he performs a Botany professor who, alongside together with his spouse and his associates determine to show his brother-in-law a playful lesson by disguising himself as a ‘Shuddh’ Hindi talking taxi driver. I needn’t emphasize sufficient about his impeccable comedian timing and the way he brilliantly alternates between the Botany professor and taxi driver with ease. It’s one among my favourite performances of his in addition to repeat watch movies each time I want a decide me up. In fact we will’t overlook Pratiggya, Sholay’s fellow sibling and well-known for its iconic hit, “Most important Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana”.
Then we go to the late Seventies. Amitabh is now numero uno and Masala is king. Dharam could also be in his 40s however he’s nonetheless going robust. Dharam Veer is a blockbuster and O Meri Mehbooba is one other masala iconic tune. However outdoors the masala is a delicate Kinara the place he makes a visitor look in one among my favourite RD Burman-Gulzar compositions sung by Bhupinder, “Ek Hello Khwaab Kai Baar”. The chemistry with Hema exhibits how a lot they have been meant to be with one another. Additionally there’s Dillagi the place he performs a Sanskrit trainer wooing a Chemistry trainer performed by Hema with such playful softness. Although there’s a struggle scene in direction of the top, he’s the one getting a lot of the blows. Subsequent is Shalimar, the primary Indo-American movie the place he and Zeenat Aman are appearing alongside Sir Rex Harrison, Sylvia Miles and John Saxon. That is additionally the film the place I fell in love with one among my favourite Kishore unhappy songs, “Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na The”. Following is Azaad, The Burning Practice, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (these three soundtracks are RDB coming in direction of the top of his musical reign) and eventually Ram Balram with Amitabh.
And right here’s the place we get to what I name the Wilderness period aka the Nineteen Eighties to mid-2000s. He’s trapped within the He-Man /Garam Dharam picture, presumably his personal doing since he’s a bigger than life star. In a great way, he’s capitalizing on the masala style and indicators each movie he can to take care of his stardom. He does give good performances in some good masala movies with JP Dutta. Concurrently in a shitty means, his signing of means too many movies has made him a caricature. Like Samuel L Jackson’s “motherfucker” trademark, “Kuttey Kaminey” turns into Dharam Paaji’s trademark. Age begins to point out on his face, physique and agility. He retains doing multistarrers with fellow previous their prime stars like Raaj Kumar, Jeetendra, Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha. He launches Sunny and Bobby and should hold them at bay in addition to Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn. Quickly the three Khans arrive and the masala cinema high quality goes even additional downhill. So what does Dharam Paaji do? He nonetheless desires to be a number one man, so he decides to hitch Mithun in Ooty B-grade/C-grade fare. Apart from the lots, the remainder of us know he doesn’t give a rattling anymore. He does a one off with Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya as Kajol’s chacha, however resorts to his “Kuttey Kaminey” within the climatic struggle. What possessed him to develop into one with the Wilderness deserves its personal Reader Write In and even higher a PhD thesis! I don’t plan to jot down that one!
In 2007, he might have to return to comprehend he’s wasted over 2 many years within the Wilderness, so he decides to gingerly come out and make a “comeback” to mainstream Bollywood with Johnny Gaddaar, Apne and Life in a Metro. I haven’t watched all these movies, however I particularly keep in mind him as Sheshadri in Johnny Gaddaar. He’s older, slower and raspier, and but his presence remains to be intact. He carries himself nicely inside Sriram Raghavan’s movie. When he yells in English, “You son of a bitch!” as a substitute of the same old “Kuttey Kaminey!”, I’m totally stunned! I’m going to the IMDB pages of him and Amitabh and see some on-line posts praising him for doing these movies and chastising Amitabh for selecting movies like KANK, Nishabd and Cheeni Kum. A publish or two go like, “Amitabh, you suck! Have you ever seen Dharam ji’s current films? See these and behave your age. In any other case retire!” “Dharam ji, when are you going to entertain us once more? We miss you!”
Sadly, it’s a one-off, or in his case a three-off. He doesn’t capitalize on it like Rishi Kapoor when the latter switches to character appearing for good after which the filmmakers notice how good of an actor he’s and provides him age-appropriate roles the place he can shine. Quickly, Rishi turns into the “quantity two” character actor after Amitabh. Which brings up the next questions. Aren’t the filmmakers inquisitive about seeing the identical potential in Dharam Paaji? Has he been supplied the identical roles as Rishi? Has he turned them down, as a result of they don’t curiosity him? Is he content material being semi-retired like Jeetendra and Shatrughan Sinha? Or is he aiming to be Dev Anand 2.0? All proper; I agree the final query is just too far however can’t assist myself.
We all know the remainder. He, Sunny and Bobby do the Yamla Pagla Deewana trilogy. Rocky Aur Rani makes him the main ambassador in senior love and intercourse, although he appears wan and feeble. He’s an octogenarian star on social media. Generally his social media posts are blissful, generally wistful, however he makes certain to say “Love you” to his followers and need for his or her welfare.
And now he has departed on the age of 89.
As I end my lengthy rambling essay, I’m full of blended emotions. I don’t have a solution on why Dharam Paaji’s passing means loads to me. One in all our commentators right here has mentioned, we should always keep in mind the icons for his or her good deeds and never for his or her unhealthy ones. However with Dharmendra, I’m unsure if I can. He’s a beloved icon, however not all his filmography is memorable. He has nice basic songs, however he’s additionally a meme. He did Satyakam and Anupama, however he additionally starred in shitty C-grade films. Statistics say that he has so many blockbusters in a single yr (1987) that the likes of Amitabh and SRK might by no means obtain, however does anybody actually need to watch these forgotbusters? Maybe old-time masala lovers and Dharam Paaji followers. In reel life he might have been doing these women-centric films, however I’ve learn he was a strict patriarch who might not have believed in girls’s empowerment in actual life. There are many nasty issues written about his private life; his therapy of the ladies in his household; his unfaithfulness to Prakash Kaur, and so forth. Maybe he apologized for his habits to the identical girls in direction of the top of his life, however it’s non-public info which is none of my enterprise. I wager somebody who wrote a venomous two-and-a-half-page rant on Sholay in his autobiography might write in his “tribute” that Dharmendra was an okay actor who tarnished his potential in addition to “Follywood”’s potential for making the rubbish that exists at the moment. And I wager somebody would reply in equal venom, “Properly, you acted with him in Tehalka and also you gave a rubbish efficiency that was as unhealthy if not worse in that very same ‘Follywood’ you poo-poo, so who gave you the one proper to trash profitable folks?”
In the long run, Dharam Paaji’s legacy encompasses all the flicks he’s completed, and that’s what I’ll keep in mind him for. If you wish to honor his legacy, cease destroying your consideration span by occurring Instagram and watching YouTube shorts of his movies. Watch his films to understand why he was a star and what his impression in cinema was, is and can be. And watch Satyakam to understand how fabulous of an actor he was. If you wish to watch the Wilderness movies too to kill time at work, by all means!
The He-Man has left for the heavens becoming a member of the legends and actors/stars of Indian cinema. We gained’t see the likes of him ever once more. So lengthy, Veeru, you sly sneaky satan, you!
