Before becoming the iconic superstar we know today, Dharmendra was just another struggler in Bollywood, trying to find his big break. In those early days, he was desperate for work and reached out to the legendary director Bimal Roy, affectionately known as ‘Dada,’ who had already established himself as a name to reckon with in the industry. To impress Dada, Dharmendra showcased four reels of his performance from Shola Aur Shabnam. Dada was so impressed by his acting that he offered him a role in Bandini, a film that would change Dharmendra’s career forever. The film went on to be a massive success, winning a National Award, and that moment marked the turning point in Dharmendra’s life, as it laid the foundation for his journey to becoming a Bollywood legend.
As the years passed, Dharmendra’s star only grew brighter, but there was a crucial moment when the fate of another film project, Chaitali, was at stake. This film, conceived by Bimal Roy and meant to star Dharmendra alongside Sharmila Tagore, faced a severe roadblock when Bimal Roy unexpectedly passed away during production. With Dada’s death, the film project came to a halt due to a lack of financial backing and direction. Bimal Roy’s wife, Manobina Roy, was devastated but determined to fulfill her late husband’s dream of completing Chaitali. She worked tirelessly to revive the project, but the situation seemed bleak.
Hearing about her struggles, Dharmendra, who owed much of his success to Bimal Roy’s initial support, took immediate action. He could not bear the thought of Dada’s dream being left unfinished, so he sent a bag full of money to Manobina Roy to ensure the film’s completion. In his message, he said, “Dada’s big favor on me will not go in vain. His dream project will be made, and it will be made no matter what.”
With Dharmendra’s financial support and encouragement, the film was finally able to move forward. The film, Chaitali, was directed by Rishikesh Mukherjee, Bimal Roy’s trusted assistant, and went on to become a success. Dharmendra’s gesture not only helped bring the film to life but also cemented his place as a stalwart of the industry, known for his generosity and respect for his mentors. This act of kindness and loyalty marked another chapter in Dharmendra’s incredible rise to superstardom and showcased the kind of person he truly was — someone who never forgot the hand that helped him when he needed it the most.
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