Even the brightest stars can't forget where they come from. This is beautifully illustrated by the late, great Dharmendra, a Bollywood icon who, despite his fame, remained deeply connected to his roots.
Dharmendra, who recently passed away, was a man of the soil at heart. Though his career took him far from his ancestral home in Dangon, a village near Ludhiana, his connection to it never faded. He frequently visited whenever his busy schedule allowed, always eager to return to the place where it all began.
But here's where it gets truly heartwarming: Even after decades away, first due to his father's job transfers and later for his film career, Dharmendra's extended family continued to care for their ancestral land. Around a decade ago, he made a significant gesture: he formally gifted the property to his cousin, who had been managing it in his absence.
As his nephew, Buta Singh Deol, shared with the New Indian Express, "He came to the village in 2015–16 when he transferred 19 kanal and three marla of land (where 1 acre is 8 kanal) to my father Manjit Singh and my uncle Shingara Singh, who has since passed away. Since he had left for Mumbai decades ago, our family has been taking care of the land and tilling it. He never forgot his roots or us." Reports estimate the land and the house on it were worth around Rs 5 crore at the time.
This act speaks volumes about Dharmendra's character. Despite his celebrity status, he never forgot his family and childhood friends in Punjab. He continued to visit the village, including a recent trip in 2019 to support his son, Sunny Deol, during his parliamentary election campaign in Gurdaspur.
Family visits to Mumbai were also a tradition, with relatives keeping him updated on the ancestral land's well-being. Dharmendra's personal involvement in handing over the property demonstrated his trust and gratitude.
Dharmendra's legacy extends beyond his acting career. He leaves behind six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol. He married Prakash Kaur in 1954, with whom he had four children. Later, in 1980, he married Hema Malini, with whom he had daughters Esha and Ahana.
In the final weeks of his life, Dharmendra was unwell and hospitalized in early November. He spent his last days at home with his family, and his funeral was attended by many Bollywood stars.
What do you think of Dharmendra's commitment to his roots? Do you believe it's important to remember where you come from, even when you achieve great success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
