Sahnewal residents pray for Dharmendra’s speedy recovery as actor remains critical at hospital

Sahnewal, the small town near Ludhiana, witnessed unusual hustle and bustle as news spread about the deteriorating health of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who spent his childhood here.

Though his family shifted to Mumbai in the 1960s, a few families in Sahnewal still share close ties with the actor and his parents.

Sant Ram Haar, who now stays in Montreal, Canada, is among Dharmendra’s old friends. His nephew, Gaurav Kailey, who stays in Sahnewal, shared that his uncle had visited the actor in September.

“They share great memories together. Uncle comes to India every year and meets Dharmendra ji in Mumbai. Both my paternal aunts were like sisters to the veteran actor,” he said.

Gaurav also showed the house where Dharmendra once stayed. It was demolished last year and reconstructed at the same spot — the place where his elder son, actor Sunny Deol, was born.

A shop owner from Lambardar Sweets, located near Dharmendra’s ancestral house, recalled that the actor was fond of their gajrela, a sweet dessert.

“His hospitality was unmatched. Whoever from the town went to meet him in Mumbai was warmly welcomed and treated by the actor and his family,” said Mintu Rajiv Kumar, another neighbour, while showing the Government Primary School building where the actor studied during his early years.

Dharmendra shared close associations with families such as Kaileys and Kapilas. Many of his old acquaintances have passed away but their children and grandchildren continue to cherish and share fond memories of the beloved actor.

Dr Surinder Kapila, an octogenarian and a retired principal from the GCG, Patiala, who stayed in his neighbourhood at Sahnewal, shared how the entire family of Dharmendra had welcomed them when they went to visit him about four decades ago in Mumbai. “Even after gaining fame, the entire family was down to earth and warmly welcomed everyone and spared over an hour with them while refreshing old memories,” Dr Kapila said.

At the same time, the residents of the small town prayed for the speedy recovery of the veteran actor, who ruled the Indian cinema for long.

A resident said it was disturbing in the morning as a few news channels showed that the actor was no more. “Later, people started gathering near the actor’s house in which he stayed for many years. We are praying for his recovery and he will be healthy again,” the resident said.