Dharmendra Death: Raikot Continues To Cherish Veeru As Memories Fill His Ancestral Home In Ludhiana

Dharmendra is the son of Kewal Krishan and Satwant Kaur and was born in Nasrali, a village in the Ludhiana region of Punjab, India. Born into a Jat family, his hometown is in Dangon, close to Pakhowal Tehsil, Raikot, Ludhiana, Punjab (erstwhile British India). The late actor's former home in the upscale Sadavartiya neighbourhood of Raikot, where he grew up, is still standing with the same dignity. But did you know that the history of the house is as emotional as it is old?

Dharmendra's father, Kewal Krishna Deol, sold this house to Kewal Agarwal, a well-known Raikot merchant, on July 22, 1959, for just 5,000 rupees. The record, which was signed in Urdu for 150 rupees at the time, still contains the sentimental recollections of a bygone period, according to Dainik Jagran. The Agarwal family has cherished this home for many years. Despite having a sizable estate in Raikot, they are constantly drawn back to it by an emotional bond.

Dharmendra was raised and educated in this home. Furthermore, the late legendary actor's father's name continues to be on the house's electricity meter. "We've never even considered changing it. It's a matter of honour for us that his father's name is still on the meter," said Kewal Kumar as quoted by the publication. Once, he wanted to see his old house and traveled to Punjab to register the land in Dango, where he was born. The house was, in fact, inspected by his team in Raikot. Even though the Aggarwal family had prepared for the welcome, the Sholay actor had to return without meeting them because of an unforeseen commitment.

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Dharmendra had an undying devotion for the his village, according to Amritpal Singh, the previous sarpanch of Dango, the place where the late actor was born. The villagers offered prayers for his recovery during his illness. 

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How Did Dharmendra Get Into Bollywood?

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People have referred to him as 'hero' since he was a little child due to his charming demeanour. His career may have been shaped by this very term. He entered the film industry in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere after winning a Talent Hunt competition in 1958. At one point, Dharmendra was considered one of the world's most attractive men. He was ranked 10th on Rediff.com's list of the Top 10 Bollywood Actors of All Time in 2022, while Outlook India included him in their list of the 75 Best Bollywood Actors.

With iconic movies like Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, and Sholay—which is considered one of the best Indian movies ever made—he became well-known. Dharmendra, who starred in over 300 films apart from his iconic Veeru from Sholay, had a lasting impression in the Indian cinema.