The entertainment world is mourning the loss of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday at the age of 89. Among the many tributes pouring in, actor and comedian Kapil Sharma has shared his profound grief and memories of a bond that felt like losing a father figure.
Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film "Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2," Sharma expressed that Dharmendra's death felt like losing his father for the second time. He reminisced about the close relationship he shared with the legendary actor, emphasizing that Dharmendra was more than just a superstar to him; he was family. Sharma lost his own father at the age of 22 and said that Dharmendra's passing has reopened those emotional wounds.
Sharma fondly recalled Dharmendra's generosity and unwavering support, particularly during the early days of "The Kapil Sharma Show" in 2016. According to Sharma, many celebrities were hesitant to appear on the show when it first launched. However, Dharmendra immediately agreed to be the first guest, without even asking about the show's concept. Sharma recounted Dharmendra instructing his team to prioritize the show, saying, "He is my son. Make a date for him, no matter what". Kapil has mentioned in the past that he considered Dharmendra his lucky charm.
Kapil shared that he first met Dharmendra on a flight to Toronto, and they became instant friends, sharing jokes throughout the journey. This initial connection blossomed into a deep and lasting friendship, with Dharmendra and his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, making multiple appearances on Sharma's shows, including "The Kapil Sharma Show" and "The Great Indian Kapil Show". This solidified a multigenerational bond between the two families. Kapil and his wife also shared a personal connection with Dharmendra, often spending time with him at his farmhouse.
In an emotional Instagram post, Sharma shared a photo of himself embracing Dharmendra, writing in Hindi that his departure was devastating and felt like losing his father for the second time. He added that the love and blessings he received from Dharmendra would forever remain in his heart and memories.
Dharmendra's death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the film industry, with many sharing personal anecdotes about his kindness and generosity. His final journey to the Vile Parle crematorium was marked by the presence of Bollywood's biggest names, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. Karan Johar called it the end of an era.
As Kapil Sharma mourns the loss, he is also preparing for the release of his film "Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2", scheduled to release on December 12. Despite this professional high point, the absence of Dharmendra, a man he considered a guiding light, casts a shadow over the occasion.
