Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently shared heartfelt sentiments about veteran actor Dharmendra following a period of health concerns for the senior star. Khan’s emotional words not only confirmed the close, paternal bond the two actors share but also highlighted Dharmendra’s lasting impact on his own life and career. The comments came during the “Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded” press conference in Qatar, sparking widespread appreciation from fans and the film fraternity alike.
When speaking about Dharmendra, Salman Khan was visibly emotional, referring to the legendary actor as much more than just a colleague he called him a father figure. This deep relationship is a well-known secret in Bollywood, marked by mutual respect and affection that has been evident for years.
During the press meet, when asked about his biggest fitness inspiration, Salman didn’t hesitate. He immediately pointed to Dharmendra, stating, He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back. This phrase, hope that he will come back, was a touching reference to Dharmendra’s recent hospitalisation and subsequent discharge, expressing a fervent wish for his complete and speedy recovery.
This sentiment is strongly reciprocated. Dharmendra himself has often spoken of his affection for Salman, even referring to him as his “third son” in the past. This familial connection underscores a beautiful, genuine bond that transcends their professional lives.
The fact that Salman was among the first to visit Dharmendra at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai when the latter was admitted further proves the sincerity of this relationship.
In his response, Salman not only expressed love but also paid a huge tribute to Dharmendra’s role in inspiring his own journey into fitness. Acknowledging that his own fitness became a benchmark for many in the 1990s, Salman humbly credited Dharmendra as his original motivation.
He shared, Before I came, there were two or three people, and Dharmendra was the most important one among them. This acknowledgment cements Dharmendra’s status as a pioneer of physical fitness and a charismatic personality who commanded the screen with his sheer presence long before modern bodybuilding trends took hold in Bollywood. Salman’s statement serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra, 89, was recently admitted to the hospital due to certain health issues, including reported breathlessness. While his family including his wife Hema Malini and sons Sunny and Bobby Deol ensured fans and media that he was stable and recovering, the news understandably caused distress among his admirers. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!

