Dharmendra's Dream Casting: Why Salman Khan Is His Only Choice for a Biopic
The Bollywood legend reveals why only Salman Khan can do justice to his life story on screen.
When a legend speaks from the heart, his words carry weight—sincerity that resonates long after they are spoken. Dharmendra Ji, the ever-beloved He-Man of Bollywood, once revealed that if a biopic were ever made on his life, the only actor he felt could do justice to portraying him was Salman Khan. Not a shortlist, not one of many options—just Salman.
Years ago, in a 2015 interview with Filmfare, Dharmendra spoke with the simplicity and humility that defined him. He said Salman had the “presence, power, and soul” to carry his journey on screen. For him, it wasn’t about stardom or box-office appeal—it was about an emotional connection, the ability to convey a life marked by hard work, resilience, struggles, heartbreaks, superstardom, and an abiding love for cinema.
Dharmendra saw in Salman something more than an actor. He saw reflections of himself—the tenderness beneath the tough exterior, the loyalty that defined friendships, and the raw emotional honesty that audiences have always admired. Both men, in their own eras, possess a kind of stardom that feels earned rather than manufactured. It is no surprise Dharmendra believed Salman could understand his story from the inside, not just from the outside.
In the same interview, Dharmendra shared a personal detail—the attempt to write his own autobiography. With a hint of a laugh, he admitted, “I am lazy,” explaining that he writes slowly, makes notes, and then keeps them aside. Beneath his playful words lay a genuine desire to preserve memories of a remarkable journey. Every note he penned captured not just events but emotions, triumphs, and vulnerabilities—the essence of a life lived fully.
Looking back, these words reveal more than preferences—they offer insight into Dharmendra’s understanding of himself, cinema, and the people he trusted. His wish for Salman Khan to portray him now feels like a passing of the torch from one generation of iconic masculinity to another.
More importantly, it reflects a universal truth about human behavior: when people choose someone to tell their story, they choose based on emotional resonance, not perfection. Dharmendra saw a shared spirit in Salman—a man who could embody both strength and softness, just as he had throughout his long and illustrious career. Those words now stand as a testament to a bond between two superstars built on mutual respect and genuine trust.
This article is authored by Sakshi, an intern from St Joseph’s Degree and PG College.