Mumtaz remembers Dharmendra with heartfelt tribute, shares memories from Loafer: 'Dharam Ji, you are always with us'

Mumtaz remembers Dharmendra

Bollywood is still reeling from the loss of Dharmendra, a man whose presence on and off screen shaped generations of cinema lovers.

As the industry continues to mourn, memories of the beloved star are surfacing from all corners, each one painting a picture of an artist who meant something deeply personal to so many. Among those who have opened their hearts is veteran actress Mumtaz, who shared a tender tribute honouring her friend and former co-star.

Posting stills from their 1973 film Loafer, Mumtaz wrote, “Dharam Ji, you were and you are always with us! May you rest in peace.”

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A post shared by Mumtaz Actress (@mumtaztheactress)

Though Loafer is perhaps their most iconic pairing, Mumtaz and Dharmendra’s bond goes back much further. They first worked together in the mid-1960s, appearing in films like Kaajal (1965), followed by Mere Humdam Mere Dost (1968) and the National Award-winning Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969).

In 1973, the two reunited for Jheel Ke Us Paar and Loafer, creating a screen partnership that fans still cherish. Their chemistry was effortless — a combination of Dharmendra’s warm charisma and Mumtaz’s infectious energy.

Even though they shared the screen only a handful of times, each film left audiences wishing for more.

Dharmendra’s passing on 24 November has left an emotional vacuum that is hard to articulate. He was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month due to breathlessness, and though he returned home on 12 November, he sadly passed away days later. He would have celebrated his 90th birthday on 8 December.

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He leaves behind a large and loving family: his first wife Prakash Kaur and their children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeta, and Vijayta, as well as Hema Malini and their daughters Esha and Ahana.

On 25 November, the Deol residence saw a steady inflow of some of Bollywood’s biggest names — Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Rakesh Roshan, among others — all arriving quietly to offer their condolences.