The award was presented by industry stalwarts Javed Akhtar and Ramesh Sippy, alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following a moving video montage of Dharmendra’s iconic roles narrated by Amitabh Bachchan.
The Speech: "Papa, You are the Best" 🎤
Visibly shaken and tearful, Bobby Deol addressed the elite gathering of the Indian film fraternity. His words resonated with a mix of grief and immense pride:
The "Reel" Connection: "I see my father’s love in all your eyes," Bobby began. He fondly recalled Dharmendra's late-blooming passion for social media: "My father touched everyone's hearts through his work and even through his Instagram reels, which had become his new hobby in his final years."
The Legacy of Love: He reflected on how his father’s kindness paved the way for the family: "Wherever I go, I receive so much love because my father opened the locks of everyone's hearts for my brother (Sunny Deol) and me. People welcome us into their hearts without hesitation because of him."
The Final Message: Closing his speech, Bobby looked at the trophy and whispered, "I’ll go home and tell him, 'Papa, you couldn't come, so I've brought your award with me.' I am grateful to God for making me his son. Papa, you are the best."
A "He-Man" Montage 🎞️
Before Bobby took the stage, the ceremony paused to celebrate the "He-Man" of Bollywood:
The Tribute: A 5-minute retrospective showcased Dharmendra’s versatility—from the sensitive professor in Chupke Chupke to the fiery Veeru in Sholay.
Bachchan’s Voice: The voiceover by Amitabh Bachchan, reciting lines from Dharmendra's own poetry, left several A-listers, including Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt, noticeably emotional in the front row.
Industry Tributes: "A Rare Combination" 🤝
Javed Akhtar, who co-wrote many of Dharmendra's biggest hits, shared a personal anecdote during the presentation:
"Dharam-ji was a strange and beautiful combination of tremendous self-restraint, dignity, and complete humility. He was a person whom this entire film industry didn't just respect—they truly loved."
Dharmendra’s Lasting Impact (1935–2025)
Category Details Debut Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) Breakthrough Phool Aur Patthar (1966) Iconic Roles Sholay, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer Final Screen Appearance Ikkis (Posthumous Release, Jan 2026) Major Honors Padma Bhushan (2012), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement (1997)
SantaBanta Verdict:
Bobby Deol’s tribute was a reminder that Dharmendra wasn't just a superstar; he was a "Jan-Nayak" (leader of the people) of the silver screen. While the industry mourns the loss of its "Garam Dharam," the love displayed at the Chetak Screen Awards proves that his legacy is immortal.
