Dharmendra Passes Away at 89: Bollywood has lost a legend

Indian cinema has lost one of its biggest legends. Veteran Bollywood actor and the beloved “He-Man” of Hindi films, Dharmendra, passed away on Monday afternoon at the age of 89, taking his last breath at his residence. His final rites were performed at the Vile Parle Crematorium as the entire film fraternity mourned the loss of an era.

But the grief is not limited to Bollywood alone.
Nainital, a town that once witnessed Dharmendra’s charisma up close, is today revisiting old memories with teary eyes. It was here, in the early 1980s, that his blockbuster film Hukumat was shot—an experience that left an indelible mark on the local people.

When Dharmendra Came to Nainital: A Town’s Festival of Joy

In 1980, when Dharmendra arrived in Nainital for the shooting of Hukumat, the entire city gathered to welcome him. His stardom was so immense that people waited for hours just to get a glimpse of the actor.

One of his most iconic dialogues from the film—
“I am here to remove fear from the hearts of Shanti Nagar’s people”—
became a part of Nainital’s identity.

Today, as the actor’s demise is announced on 24 November, these memories feel alive again. For Nainital, Dharmendra was never just a superstar; he was almost a family member.

The Ricksaw Stand Incident: The Day Nainital Saw His Humanity

One of the most unforgettable moments from the shoot happened at Mallital Rickshaw Stand.
When the crowd surged to catch a glimpse of Dharmendra, the old shed roof collapsed under the pressure. Before anyone could react, Dharmendra stepped forward and asked:

“Is anyone hurt? Please check, is everyone fine?”

His humility and genuine concern spread like wildfire among the people.

In an era when stars rarely stepped out of their entourages, Dharmendra’s act of humanity made him a real-life hero for Nainital.

How Hukumat Showcased the Beauty of the Hills

The film’s shooting turned the tranquil hill town into a mini film city for nearly a month.
Several locations became an integral part of the movie:

• The serene Naini Lake

• Mallital Flats

• The iconic Mall Road

• Collectorate Area

• Scenic locations across Bhowali, Bhimtal, and Ranikhet

The action sequences filmed amidst the mountains provided a fresh cinematic experience for audiences across India.

After the film’s release, the tourist footfall in Nainital saw a significant rise, as people hurried to see the locations shown in the movie. Hukumat immortalized the region’s beauty on the silver screen.

Dharmendra—The Star Who Treated People Like Family

During the shoot, Dharmendra, along with Prem Chopra, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Shammi Kapoor, and Rajendra Kumar, stayed at the Nainital Club. Every day, long queues of fans gathered outside the hotel hoping for a glimpse.

While many stars avoided the crowd, Dharmendra behaved differently.

He would sit with fans, lift children in his arms, talk to elderly admirers, shake hands, and pose for endless photos—without showing the slightest hint of star attitude.

Local residents still say:

“Dharmendra was as big-hearted as he was a big star.”

A Grand Procession, Thousands of Fans, and a Festival-Like Atmosphere

A major sequence in the film required a massive procession, and thousands of locals participated with unmatched enthusiasm.
With Dharmendra leading the scene, the energy in the town felt no less than a festival.

For many, witnessing the shoot became a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

The Legend Lives On in Nainital’s Air

Dharmendra wasn’t just a hero on screen—he was a hero in people’s hearts.
Fans from Bhowali to Bhimtal still recall the excitement of those days and the warmth he radiated.

Hukumat not only became a milestone in Dharmendra’s career but also helped bring Nainital’s magnificence to the world.

Today, even though the legend has departed,
his smile, his humility, and his unforgettable charm will forever echo in the hills of Nainital.