Remembering Dharmendra Ji: The Star Who Always Asked, How Is Mayapuri?

By Sharad Rai

In my four decades of film journalism, no other star gave me as many opportunities for simple, heartfelt conversations as Dharmendra did. There were only a few critical phases when he hesitated to speak to the press—such as after his marriage to Hema Ji (Hema Malini), or during the “per-day” era when he would sign films left and right… something that often angered his sons, Sunny and Bobby. During those times, he kept a bit of distance.

Also read:Dharmendra: Hema Malini Expresses Deep Grief Over Her Husband’s Passing

By coincidence, I met Dharam Ji in both those phases. Mayapuri’s journalist Chhaya Mehta shared a warm rapport with Hema Ji. After her marriage, Hema Ji was shooting at Natraj Studio. It was an informal meeting—Chhaya pulled a chair beside her, and I quietly sat too. We hadn’t even started a conversation when Dharmendra walked in. He asked, “How is Mayapuri doing? It’s a family magazine… don’t write any gossip.” And we had to politely leave.

Also read:Dharmendra’s Lifelong Debt — A Promise That Could Never Be Fulfilled

A similar meeting happened at Chandivali Studio when Dharmendra was shooting a film with Kanti Shah. He had just two or three days of work in the film (the “per-day” era), and the producer’s PRO, A. Johar, had invited the press. Back then, only print media existed—there were no channels, no YouTubers crowding the sets. Dharmendra didn’t speak to anyone and left, citing an urgent appointment. While walking out, he saw me and asked, “How is your Mayapuri? How is Bajaj Sahib? Does he still come to Bombay?”

By “Bajaj Sahib,” he meant P. K. Bajaj, the owner-editor of Mayapuri. This affectionate inquiry, this emotional connection to a film magazine—no other star showed such warmth. Whenever I met Dharmendra, he always asked about Mayapuri. Whenever a journalist brought a film magazine to him, he would flip through its pages, even though he wrote in Urdu and loved penning shayari. He often said, “It is through these magazines that an artist reaches his fans and admirers.”

My last meeting with him was at a film party. All the press photographers were taking pictures with him. He never refused anyone. Seeing me from afar, he called out— “Why are you standing so far?” He made me sit next to him, put his hand on my shoulder, and posed for a picture. Even then, the first thing he asked was about Mayapuri— “How is Mayapuri? How is Bajaj Sahib? Does the magazine not come home these days?”
He meant that Mayapuri had gone online. He was delighted to hear that even in the digital race, film magazines were still going strong.
“This is change… change never stops!” Dharam Ji said. And truly, change never stops. It races ahead—so fast that Dharmendra even heard and saw the news of his own death while lying on his hospital bed.

Also read:Jeetendra, Ranbir–Alia Lead the Celebrities Visiting Dharmendra’s Home for Condolences

Change doesn’t stop. People do. And Dharmendra Ji’s journey has now stopped forever. But I still remember his question, echoing softly— “How is Mayapuri? How is Bajaj Sahib?”

The era of stars asking such warm and balanced questions about media and relationships… has ended.

FAQs

1. Why is Dharmendra considered such a comfortable star for the media?

Dharmendra always spoke openly to the journalists due to his natural, simple and friendly nature, which makes him different from other stars.

2. Did Dharmendra ever distance himself from the media?

Yes, during some sensitive times like during his marriage to Hema Malini and the 'Par Day' phase, when he was signing many films together, he maintained some distance.

3. What was the 'Per Day' era?

This was the time when Dharmendra used to sign many films at the same time, due to which his sons Sunny and Bobby would also get worried and angry about the shooting and schedule.

4. What was the conversation like with Dharmendra for journalists?

Conversations with him were always spontaneous, honest and without any pretense, which made him especially popular with journalists.

5. Was Dharmendra sensitive towards people associated with the media?

Yes, he respected journalists and treated them like family, but he would become restrained only in some personal or complicated situations.

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