Veteran Actor Dharmendra's Extraordinary Dedication: An 18-Hour Journey Through Pain for Party Loyalty

A remarkable 2008 incident showcases Dharmendra's unparalleled commitment to duty and loyalty.

New Delhi:

During a recent memorial service in Delhi honoring the legendary Dharmendra, Sudhir Kumar Singh, his companion of 21 years, shared a powerful story that revealed the true character behind the iconic actor's public persona.

Sudhir initially met Dharmendra as a government officer in the Railway Ministry's protocol division, but their relationship quickly transcended professional boundaries. Within months, Dharmendra warmly declared, "Beta, ab se tu mera chhota bhai hai" (Son, from now on you are my younger brother), establishing a familial bond that would last over two decades.

Their formal acquaintance evolved into a profound friendship cemented through shared drinks and meaningful conversations.

Before becoming Bollywood's beloved action star, young Dharam Singh Deol from rural Punjab had worked in Khajurahat near Ayodhya, marketing for an international company specializing in rural water-pumping systems. "That was the grounded, small-town boy I came to know and love," Sudhir reminisced.

However, a 2008 incident stands as the ultimate demonstration of Dharmendra's extraordinary character.

During the critical trust vote on the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Manmohan Singh government faced a precarious situation. The BJP needed every parliamentarian present to show solidarity. Dharmendra, then representing Bikaner, had undergone knee replacement surgery and was recuperating in America. He had already informed party leadership about his inability to return in time.

Yet, on this decisive day when every vote and show of support mattered, Dharmendra arrived in Delhi and proceeded directly from the airport to Le Meridien hotel—where BJP MPs were stationed—walking with severe pain, still bandaged, but determined.

"He came only to boost morale, to show his colleagues they were not alone," Sudhir told NDTV emotionally. "That day I saw the same courage he showed in Sholay—only this time it was real life."

Sudhir mentioned frequently asking his friend, "Dharam ji, why don't you fight elections again? The people of Bikaner still want to touch your feet." Dharmendra would respond with laughter, explaining that while the public adored his "herogiri" on screen, they never considered him a serious politician.

Dharmendra entered politics in 2004 during BJP's "India Shining" campaign, encouraged by LK Advani and close friend Shatrughan Sinha. He surprised many by winning the Congress stronghold of Bikaner by nearly 60,000 votes. However, frequent film commitments, limited Parliament attendance, and eventual disillusionment led him to step away after one term, later admitting politics wasn't his natural domain.

As Delhi's Chief Minister, the Home Minister, prominent BJP leaders, and Union ministers gathered at the prayer meeting to honor him, one truth remained evident: Though Dharmendra departed from politics, his loyalty, courage, and generosity never abandoned anyone who knew him—whether on screen or in real life.