Dhurandhar 2 actor Salim Siddiqui may be carving out a space for himself in the industry, but he attributes his journey to someone he never met – legendary superstar Dharmendra. Looking back on his early days, Siddiqui shared how Dharmendra played a silent yet powerful role in shaping his journey. My friend admitted that Dharmendra’s death affected him deeply, almost like a personal tragedy. Siddiqui also expressed his admiration for Sunny Deol and described him as a reflection of his father’s legacy.
Dhurandhar 2 actor Salim Siddiqui may be carving out a space for himself in the industry, but he attributes his journey to someone he never met – legendary superstar Dharmendra.In a recent conversation on Divyank Kaushik’s podcast, Siddiqui spoke about admiration, loss, missed opportunities, and how the veteran actor’s blessings continue to guide him.
“I never met him…but I grew up on his films.”
Looking back on his early days, Siddiqui shared how Dharmendra played a silent yet powerful role in shaping his journey.“If I had to give credit for my success to someone, there is one person whose blessings I feel have really stayed with me. I never met him, but I have been his biggest fan since childhood. I grew up watching his films. Through social media, I started interacting with him – I would write to him, and he would write back with blessings and say, ‘Live long, you will be very successful.’”Those were his blessings. I really liked it. We lost him last year… and that absence will last forever. If I had met him or written to him about my trip, I think he would have been very happy. I would definitely give him credit for everything. Maybe it is because of his blessings that I am here today, speaking to all of you.
“This loss felt personal.”
My friend admitted that Dharmendra’s death affected him deeply, almost like a personal tragedy.
“When the news first came, it was shocking. Even during that time when he seemed to be recovering, we kept hoping that he would come back, and he would be okay.” Try to console yourself in this way.I loved him so much. In fact, I tried many times to meet him. Whenever I would come to Mumbai for a shoot, I would tell people: “Please try to arrange a meeting with him.” I always felt that one day I would definitely meet him. But that meeting never happened.
Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. However, wherever he is today, I think he is watching us and feeling happy.
“I just wanted one introduction.”
The actor also revealed how he saw professional opportunities as an opportunity to fulfill his personal dream.“I even gave several auditions for films featuring Sunny Deol – like Chup, 1947 Lahore, and a few others. I thought that if I get selected and make it, I will make just one request: ‘Please introduce me to Dharam sir once.’
That was the only desire.”“There’s no one like him”My friend remembers Dharmendra not just as a star but as a human being, and said his warmth was unparalleled.“He was incredibly warm and sincere. You know how some celebrities are surrounded by security and distance – but he was never like that. He would invite people close to him, make them sit next to him, and hug them. That kind of warmth is so rare. There could never be anyone else like him.”Everyone who heard it only praised it. I never heard a single negative thing – no attitude, no arrogance.
“His heart was completely clean.”
He watches
“Sunny Deol was the darkest chapter of my life” – Sunil Darshan speaks
“My sunny lord carries the legacy forward.”
Siddiqui also expressed his admiration for Sunny Deol and described him as a reflection of his father’s legacy.“I feel very happy when I see the journey of Sunny-Gaddar sir and everything he is doing now. He carries that legacy beautifully. When I see him, I feel like I see Dharam sir in him.Their family is very emotional and very real. Sometimes emotional decisions may cost you practically, but that’s also what makes them pure of heart.
This is their legacy.”
From the “dead body role” to dreams of working with Sunny Deol
Sharing a lighter moment, my friend recalls an early audition that perfectly embodied his determination.“When I was new to the industry, I got a call for a role in Chup. I asked about the role, and they said: ‘No need to audition, just send your picture.’ Then they said: ‘It’s a corpse role!But they also said that he is with Sunny sir. The moment I heard that, I said, “It’s over!” I’ll play a dead body, no problem, but just make sure it’s with Sunny sir.’”
“I just hope I make him proud.”
For my friend, the trip now carried a deeper emotional responsibility.“It was a kind of loss that I can only compare to losing my father during COVID. I have never felt less.”But his memory and blessings remain. I just pray that wherever he is, I make him proud. “This is a responsibility I feel I have to fulfill.”
