NDTV Exclusive: Asha Parekh Reflects on the Girls’ Obsession with Dharmendra and a Shy Start to Their On-Screen Romance
New Delhi
The legendary pairing of Asha Parekh and Dharmendra lit up the screen in timeless hits like Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969) and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971). Parekh, often celebrated as the era’s quintessential lead actress, and the Debonair Bollywood Icon proved to be a magnet on screen, even if their real-life dynamics started off unexpectedly rocky.
In a conversation with NDTV marking Dharmendra’s 90th birthday, Parekh revisits memories with her long-time co-star, revealing that both stars were initially frightened of each other and often avoided eye contact in the earliest days.
The “Girls Were Crazy About Him”
Parekh rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s, earning the nickname Hit Girl for dominating the box office with collaborations alongside Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand, Dharmendra, and Shammi Kapoor. While stories of the Rajesh Khanna mania are widely told, Dharmendra also drew a flutter of attention from admirers. Parekh recalls, “The girls were all crazy about him. Dharmendra ji, Dev Anand ji, Rajesh Khanna — these were the three men I’d watch surrounded by a crowd.” And what about Dharmendra’s own reaction to such adulation? Parekh smiles and recalls, “Oh yes, he would feel really shy.”
“Romantic Scenes Were a Challenge, in a Way”
The 1960s were a different era for cinema and filmmaking. Behind-the-scenes moments rarely surfaced on social media; revelations came from candid conversations between co-stars. Parekh describes Dharmendra as innocent yet with a mischievous streak. She recounts a specific incident from the Darjeeling shoot of Aaye Din Bahar Ke where early interactions between them were under a cloud of mutual fear.
She recalls, “When we first met, he was frightened of me and I was frightened of him. The producer asked to accompany us to the location for a month-long shoot, and on the way to the set he worried that if we kept diverging in opposite directions, filming would be awkward. I told him there was no need to worry; once the camera rolled, we would become lovey-dovey as required.”
“I Would Not Be on Set If He Was Drunk”
Among the anecdotes about their debut film, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, is a humorous but telling tale: Dharmendra reportedly showed up on set after late-night celebrations, with onion-eating used as a cover to mask the smell of alcohol. Parekh wasn’t having any of it. She states firmly, “I told the producer I would not be on set if he was drunk.” She also notes that Dharmendra became particularly nervous during songs when his intoxication risked affecting performances.
Staying in Touch Over the Years
Parekh and Dharmendra eventually maintained a cordial relationship. She recalls his kindness at her book launch for The Hit Girl and notes that they did two reality shows together and met again at Aamir Khan’s daughter’s wedding, illustrating that time hadn’t erased their shared history.
Parekh: A Prankster at Heart
Parekh is remembered for a lively on-set energy and a penchant for pranks rather than mischief. She notes she wasn’t “naughty,” just perpetually light-hearted. Recounting a moment from Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, she describes a rain sequence that involved the fire brigade being called to spray water—an event that drew a crowd of producers, their spouses, and friends. Parekh suggested they drizzle the audience as well, to share the spectacle, but Dharmendra balked at the idea. The crowd, drenched in rain and chiffon, appeared delighted by the unexpected turn, while the lead couple’s spontaneity became a favorite anecdote.
A Legacy That Endures
Dharmendra’s passing leaves a profound void in Hindi cinema. Yet his legacy—spanning more than 300 films—continues to inspire and thrill fans. Parekh offers a heartfelt birthday wish to him, acknowledging the spark he added to their on-screen romance and the enduring memories that remain.
Would you like to explore more behind-the-scenes stories from classic Bollywood romances, or discuss how audience perceptions of on-screen chemistry have evolved over time?
