Smriti Irani recalls when Dharmendra helped her during her first election campaign: “He said, ‘puttar, I’ll be there’”

Smriti Irani, an actress and former Minister of Education of India, has joined millions of people in the country in lamenting the passing of Bollywood icon Dharmendra.

She shared a heartfelt Instagram post that eloquently expressed her admiration and love for the late actor.

Smriti posted a moving black-and-white photo of Dharmendra relaxing next to a car, characterising him not only as Bollywood's He-Man but also as a kind, modest person whose kindness touched many lives.

In her heartfelt tribute, she wrote, “He stunned me with his simplicity, his generosity was well known. He met my awe with humility…. All of 27 years I was when I first asked him ‘Could you please help me with my electoral campaign, for this is my first and I barely know what to do?’ He said ‘Puttar I’ll be there,’ and arrive he did to a horde of fans in Paharganj, Chandani Chowk that held onto his every word, that watched in wonder this legend of ours… He came like an elder would to help a young one in need.”

Smriti went on to write about how personal the loss feels to her, “His loss feels personal, his life feels I knew him every day. A man formidable, a soul that was gentle, his kindness spoke volumes as he smiled shyly at every compliment paid. Farewell Sir… you leave behind millions heartbroken. Thank you for the smiles, the laughter, the blessings… thank you for being you.”