Dharmendra’s Deep Connection with Jharkhand
Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man of Hindi Cinema”, shared a special emotional bond with Jharkhand. A devoted admirer of the Tragedy King Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra decided to pursue a career in films after watching the classic film “Shaheed” starring Dilip Kumar and Kamini Kaushal.
After signing his first film “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” in 1960, Dharmendra went straight to Dilip Kumar’s residence at Pali Hill, Bandra (Mumbai) to seek his blessings. Coincidentally, on the same day, Jaddan Bai—mother of actress Nargis—arrived at Dilip Kumar’s home carrying sugarcane from Barkagaon (Hazaribagh). Dilip Kumar was extremely fond of this sugarcane, and Dharmendra tasted it there for the first time.
During the 1950s and 60s, Jaddan Bai frequently visited Hazaribagh and often stayed at Zarina Villa in Deepugarha, the residence of Abdul Hameed, the first IG of undivided Bihar. She made it a point to take Barkagaon sugarcane back for Dilip Kumar.
Dharmendra’s affection for Jharkhand strengthened over time. While shooting Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film “Satyakam” in Ghatsila (East Singhbhum, Jharkhand) with Sharmila Tagore over a 30-day schedule, he ordered sugarcane from Barkagaon for the entire film unit. Later, during the 17-day shoot of K.C. Gulati’s “Mohabbat Zindagi Hai” (1966) in Dhanbad, he once again arranged Barkagaon sugarcane for the whole team.
Dharmendra was also deeply fascinated by the rich cultural essence of Jharkhand. He greatly admired local folk dances including Chhau, Paika, Domkach, Jhumar, Phagua, Firkaal, and Agni dance, embracing the vibrant artistic spirit of the region.
His memories and connection with Jharkhand remain an unforgettable chapter in the cultural association between Bollywood and the state.
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