Dhurandhar 2 actor Salim Siddiqui may be carving a space for himself in the industry, but he credits his journey to someone he’s never met – the legendary star. Dharmendra.In a recent interview 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 movies”
Looking back on his early days, Siddiqui recounted how Dharmendra played a silent but powerful role in shaping his journey.“If I have to give credit to someone for my success, there is one person whose blessing I truly feel has remained 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 contacting him; I would write to him, and he would respond with blessings, saying, ‘You will be very successful.’Those were his blessings. I really loved it. Last year, we lost… and that absence will always remain. If I had ever met him or written about my trip, I think he would have been very happy. I would definitely give him credit for everything. Perhaps it is because of his blessings that I am here today, speaking to all of you.’
“I felt that loss was personal”
Siddiqui admitted that Dharmendra’s death struck him deeply, almost like a personal bereavement.“When the news first came, it was shocking. Even at the time he seemed to be recovering, we kept hoping, ‘he’ll be back, he’ll be fine’.” You try to comfort me like this.I loved him very much. In fact, I tried so many times to meet him. Whenever I came to Mumbai for a shoot, I would tell people, “Please try and arrange a meeting with him.” I always felt that I would definitely meet him one day. But that meeting never happened. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. However, where he is today, I think he’s watching us and he’s happy.”
‘I wanted only one entry’
The actor also revealed how he saw professional opportunities as opportunities to fulfill a personal dream.“I also auditioned a lot for films starring Sunny Deol — like Chup, 1947 Lahore and others. If I get selected and contact him, I thought I’ll make one request: ‘Please introduce me once Dharam sir.’ That was the only wish.”‘nobody’s like him’Remembering Dharmendra not just as a star but as a human being, Siddiqui said his warmth was unmatched.“He was incredibly warm and kind. You know how some famous people are surrounded by safety and distance, but he was never like that. He would call people close, sit next to him, hug them. That kind of warmth is very rare. There can never be another like him.Everyone I’ve heard from has nothing but praise for it. I have never heard a single negative thing, no attitude, no ego. He had a completely pure heart.”
“Mr. Sunny is carrying on the legacy”
Siddiqui also expressed his admiration Sunny Deolcalling it a reflection of his father’s legacy.“I feel very happy to see Mr. Sunny’s journey – Gadar and all that he is doing now. He is carrying that legacy beautifully. When I see him, I feel like I am seeing Mr. Dharam in him.Their family is very touching, very real. Sometimes emotional decisions almost cost you, but that also makes them pure of heart. That is their legacy.”
From ‘The Body Role’ to dreams of working with Sunny Deol
Sharing a lighter moment, Siddiqui recalled an early audition that captured her determination perfectly.“When I was new to the industry, I got a call for a role in Chupen. I asked what the role was, and they said, ‘You don’t need to listen, send your picture.’ Then they told me, it’s the role of a dead man!But they also said that it is Mr. Sunny. The moment I heard that, I said, “Done! I’ll play a dead one, no problem, but make sure it’s Mr. Sunny’”.
“I hope you make me proud”
For Siddiqui, travel now carries a deeper emotional responsibility.“It was the kind of loss I can compare to losing my father during Covid. It didn’t feel less than that.But his memories and blessings remain. I pray that wherever you are, you will be proud. That’s the responsibility I feel I have to fulfill.”
