The nation continues to mourn the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025. Fond memories and heartfelt tributes keep pouring in from the film fraternity. Senior actor Rakesh Bedi has been reminiscing about his cherished moments with the veteran star, particularly their last collaboration in the film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
Speaking to NDTV, Bedi described Dharmendra as a rare personality who deeply cared for everyone around him. He recalled how even a few minutes of conversation with the star made one feel truly loved and valued. Bedi highlighted Dharmendra's immense warmth and genuine concern for everyone on set, recalling how the legendary star made people feel like family within minutes. According to Bedi, Dharmendra's concern for people around him was genuine, effortless, and constant. He described Dharmendra as someone whose warmth and simplicity set him apart, qualities he referred to as “madness” in the most affectionate sense.
Bedi shared a special memory from the film's shoot, revealing how Dharmendra insisted on celebrating his birthday with a cake he wanted to arrange himself. Although the crew eventually organized it, the moment became unforgettable when Dharmendra lovingly fed him cake and shared a light-hearted exchange. "It was very sweet of him,” Bedi said, remembering the joy the actor brought to those around him. “We cut it together. He fed me, and I fed him,” Rakesh recalled, his voice filled with emotion.
Rakesh and Dharmendra had a long association and worked together in several films over the years, including the 1987 hit Dadagiri. Bedi fondly remembers Dadagiri, where both he and Dharmendra played key roles. Their long association had built a deep bond, which made Dharmendra's passing even more painful for him. Bedi said that even during the shoot of their last film, Dharmendra's warmth never faded. "Itne saalon se jante hai, ek love and respect hai (Having known each other for so many years, we shared a bond of love and respect)," Bedi stated.
Bedi spoke about Dharmendra's legacy, recalling how he used to take care of everyone. "All I can say is that he was kind of mad — such actors don't exist now," Bedi said. "He used to care for everyone; he used to care for the unit. Aap unke saath 15 minutes baith jao, toh aapko lagega ki yeh mera aadmi hai aur woh mere baare mein sochta hai (If you sit with him for just 15 minutes, you'll feel like he's your own person and that he genuinely cares about you)". "That was the kind of love he showered upon people around him all the time," Bedi added.
Dharmendra had been hospitalized earlier in November 2025 and had briefly recovered at his Juhu residence before passing away on November 24. His last rites were performed in the presence of close family members. Bollywood stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Govinda visited the crematorium to pay their respects to the iconic actor. Dharmendra will next be seen in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and set during the 1971 India–Pakistan War. The film, featuring Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat.
