28 November,2025 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
PT Usha and Dharmendra
As the veteran actor Dharmendra died earlier this week, tributes began pouring in not just from the industry but from every corner of the country. Politicians from the PM and President to athletes like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli also called him an irreplaceable loss and hailed his iconic roles and humble personality. Former athlete PT Usha too took to her social media account to pay her respects to the legend.
Parliamentarian and retired track and field athlete PT Usha (Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha) is hailed as the 'queen of track and field' and is considered a trailblazer who paved the way for women to enter sports.
She took to her X timeline and shared a touching anecdote about the superstar gifting her Rs. 50,000 after her successful streak at the 1986 Asian Games, where she secured 4 gold medals and 1 silver medal for India and made the country proud.
In her tweet, she wrote: "In 1986, after winning 4 (gold medal emoji) & 1 (silver medal emoji) at the Asian Games, Dharmendra ji sent me Rs. 50,000/- cash prize for my achievement."
She further expressed her regret at not being able to meet the star in person to express her gratitude, but stated that the affection they shared was sufficient to keep their hearts connected. "We couldn't meet personally due to our busy schedules but sometimes love & affection are enough to keep the hearts connected even 1000 miles apart. RIP (folded hands emoji)," she tweeted.
Dharmendra was admired not only for his striking screen presence but also for his humility and warmth, and this incident demonstrates not only his generosity but also his support for sports.
Veteran actor Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema's most beloved and enduring icons, passed away on Monday, November 24. He was 89.
Affectionately known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra's career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 250 films across genres - from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies and timeless romances.
Born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra made his debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960). He rose to fame with hits such as Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Anupama (1966), and Bandini (1963), establishing himself as a versatile performer. His unforgettable pairing with Hema Malini on and off-screen became legendary.
Among his most celebrated works are Sholay (1975), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Satyakam (1969), and Seeta Aur Geeta (1972).
He is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; sons Sunny and Bobby Deol; daughters Vijeta and Ajeta; his second wife, Hema Malini; and their daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
