Asha Parekh, the legendary actress, opens up about her unique bond with the iconic Dharmendra, revealing a side of their relationship that many may find surprising.
The Unlikely Pair: Asha and Dharmendra's On-Screen Magic
Despite their on-screen chemistry, Asha and Dharmendra's first encounter was far from harmonious. With eyes averted and opposing views, their initial meetings left the producer of their first film together, "Aaye Din Bahar Ke," in a challenging position.
In a heartfelt conversation with NDTV, Asha Parekh reflects on her memories with Dharmendra, stating that they were both "frightened" of each other. But here's where it gets controversial...
The Hit Girl's Rise to Fame
Asha Parekh, known as the "Hit Girl," dominated the '60s and '70s with her commercial successes alongside leading heroes like Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand, and of course, Dharmendra. While Rajesh Khanna's female obsession is well-documented, Asha reveals that Dharmendra had his fair share of female admirers too.
As she recalls, "The girls were all crazy about him. Dharmendra ji, Dev Anand ji, Rajesh Khanna - these three were always surrounded by a crowd." But how did Dharmendra handle this attention?
The Shy Charmer
"Oh yes! He would feel really shy," Asha shares. In the 1960s, filmmaking was different, and the behind-the-scenes moments were not as public as they are today. Asha describes Dharmendra as "very innocent" but with a playful side.
She narrates an incident where their on-screen romantic scenes were a challenge due to their initial discomfort with each other. The actress reassures the producer that once the camera rolled, they would transform into lovey-dovey characters.
Aaye Din Bahar Ke: The Drunken Episode
One of the most amusing stories surrounding their first film together involves Dharmendra arriving on set drunk. Asha Parekh, with her no-nonsense attitude, told the producer she wouldn't be present if Dharmendra was under the influence. She also mentions his nervousness during song shoots.
A Long-Lasting Friendship
Asha Parekh and Dharmendra's paths crossed again through reality shows and even at Aamir Khan's daughter's wedding. Despite not being in constant touch, their bond remained strong.
The Prankster Revealed
Asha Parekh had a reputation as a prankster on set. She shares a hilarious anecdote from the sets of "Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke," where she and Dharmendra played a trick on the crowd watching their rain sequence shoot. The prank left the audience drenched and upset, but Asha recalls it with laughter and joy.
A Legacy to Remember
Dharmendra's passing leaves a significant void in the Hindi film industry, but his legacy through over 300 films continues to inspire. Asha Parekh sends her final birthday wishes to the man who added a spark to their on-screen romance, wishing him a very happy 90th birth anniversary.
And this is the part most people miss... Asha Parekh's insights offer a unique perspective on the lives of these iconic Bollywood stars, reminding us of the human connections and stories behind the glitz and glamour.
