'Dharmendra Was On Ventilator': Mumtaz Wasn't Allowed To Meet Him, Waited For 30 Minutes

Dharmendra, who left a lasting impression on Hindi film through his roles, but more so his kindness, love, and charming personality had a profound effect on his coworkers' lives. The actor passed away at the age of 89 on November 24, 2025. Mumtaz, a seasoned star who collaborated with the late actor on movies the well-liked Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), Mere Humdam Mere Dost (1968), Loafer (1973) and Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973), recently shared her treasured recollections with him. 

Dharmendra's co-star told ETimes that she last saw the Sholay actor at his house in 2021. Mumtaz added that she attempted to see Dharmendra while he was in the hospital but was denied access. "I went to see him at the hospital, but the staff told me he was on the ventilator and no one was allowed to meet him. I sat there for 30 minutes, hoping I might still get to see him, but I couldn't. I left without meeting him," she recalled.

Mumtaz shared, "I met him last in 2021, when I went to his place. It was such a pleasant meeting. That was the last time we met." Mumtaz expressed her grief for Dharmendra's family and second wife Hema Malini. "I feel sorry for his family, and for Hema ji. She was always devoted to him. She must be feeling this loss very deeply. She was truly in love with him."

ALSO READ - When Hema Malini Reacted To Marrying Already Married Dharmendra And Living Separately

Heaping praises on Dharmendra, she called him a 'wonderful co-star.' She continued, "A very nice man with a truly golden heart. He was milansar – warm, friendly, connected to everyone. Even till the end, he had a good equation with people. They still love him, and they always will. He was a legend who will always be remembered; he is irreplaceable."

ALSO READ - Deol Family Hosts Dharmendra’s Prayer Meet Today; Check Time And Venue For Final Goodbye

Mumtaz Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Dharmendra 

Mumtaz shared stills from their 1973 movie Loafer and wrote a poignant homage to the late idol Dharmendra on social media. She wrote, "Dharam Ji, you were and you are always with us! May you rest in peace."

 

 

 

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During the 1960s and 1970s, two of the most popular actors in Hindi cinema, Dharmendra and Mumtaz, worked together on a number of iconic movies. Kaajal (1965), the romantic thriller Mere Humdam Mere Dost (1968), and the critically praised drama Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969) were among their collaborations. They got back together in 1973 for Jheel Ke Us Paar and the well-known performer Loafer, which became one of their most well-known duos.

Despite the fact that Dharmendra and Mumtaz starred in only a few movies together, their on-screen chemistry and balanced performances made their films shine and admirers wished they had shared the screen more often.