Dharmendra’s nostalgic address at Filmfare awards

Mumbai: Dharmendra, the Hindi film industry's ‘Greek God’, a sobriquet that he got for his looks and build, always spoke from the heart.

One such occasion was in 1997, when he was conferred the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dharmendra received his Lifetime Achievement Award from none other than Dilip Kumar, who was his icon, and Shah Rukh Khan, then emerging as a star.

In fact, for Dharmendra the iconic ‘Black Lady’ trophy has eluded him and he had to wait for close to 37 years to get a Filmfare award.

The acceptance speech is still viral and bits and often pop up in social media platforms.

Incidentally, in 1958, Dharmendra won a talent contest organized by Filmfare magazine, which was his major break into the film industry in Mumbai, then known as Bombay.

In a career spanning 55 years, Dharmendra has worked in over 300 films.

“I wanted to become an actor like every other youngster. However, I did not reveal it to my family, because when someone expresses their interest in becoming an actor, they are laughed at. I told my mother and closest friends about my dream. I asked my mom to collect some money and send me to Bombay but she was skeptical as I was the eldest son. She told me the job won't be an easy one,” he had said.

“Then I came across an advertisement in one of the Filmfare magazines. Filmfare called me and selected me to become an actor. Then I became Dharmendra. It is because of Filmfare. I would purchase a matching suit and tie every year every year for the awards but never received one. I had many hits in the '60s but I stopped buying suits. I thought I would receive an award in a T-shirt. I am receiving this trophy after 37 years. I am seeing 15 years' worth of trophies in this one,” he said emotionally.