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The unfading melodies of an era- Remembering Dharmendra
The passing of an actor like Dharmendra reminds us of an era that now seems so wonderfully, securely ours—an era of innocence and melody.
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Dr Kanniks Kannikeswaran - Tue, 25, Nov 2025
- 22:42 EST
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Dharmendra. / Wikipedia
The passing of an artist invariably stirs a rush of memories, but for actors of a certain vintage, those memories are inextricably linked to the music. Their presence on screen, whether in joyful romance or poignant drama, is immortalized not just by the roles they played but by the unforgettable songs they brought to life. It was more than mere lip-syncing; they owned those songs, giving the playback voice a visual identity that remains etched in our minds.
Just days ago, while driving through the gentle hills of Pittsburgh, my wife and I were listening to "Gaadi bula rahi hai." The song, a random appearance on a playlist, has a peculiar magic: the melancholic train whistle, the minor chords, the serious theme couched in a simple, catchy melody, all carried by Kishore Kumar's effortless voice. The visuals which introduce the author, the memories from that era.
The passing of an actor like Dharmendra reminds us of an era that now seems so wonderfully, securely ours—an era of innocence and melody. It was the time when we tuned into Vividh Bharati, patiently waiting for programs like Man Chahe Geet to play our favorites, memorizing the lyrics after just a couple of listens.
Kishore Kumar was the voice of Dharmendra for countless hits. Consider "Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas," composed by Kalyanji Anandji. The song’s simplicity and the singer’s emotiveness have protected it from the passage of time. Then there is the playful "Dream Girl" under the baton of Laxmikant Pyarelal. Yet, perhaps the most iconic is "Ye Dosti" from Sholay, a genuine cult song second only to R.D. Burman’s own spirited rendition of "Mehbooba."
The versatile Mohammed Rafi also poured his heart out for Dharmendra in duets like "Jhil Mil Sitaron Ka," and even older creators such as Hemant Kumar lent their voices. Beyond the songs he performed, there are the scenes where he merely watched his co-protagonist sing, letting the melody speak for itself, as in "Aap Ki Nazron Mein" or "Ab Ke Sajan Saavan." These songs are not just soundtracks; they are the vibrant, living echoes of a cinematic golden age.
As the thespian’s life comes to a close we note that even, his recent work continued to charm new audiences. His last major screen appearance in the Karan Johar film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, proved that his charisma was undiminished. This lavish film provided a beautiful, poignant final bow, complete with melodies from an older era reminding us of his enduring talent and the cornucopia of rich wholesome music from then, still sounding fresh in its reimagined soundscape..
Dharmendra’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Indian cinema, a collage of charm, expressive acting and timeless music. The melodies he immortalized will never fade, serving as a permanent soundtrack to a generation's most cherished memories.
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