Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently expressed deep admiration for veteran actor Dharmendra, whom he regards as a father-figure, during a press conference in Qatar. The emotional tribute came shortly after Dharmendra’s discharge from a Mumbai hospital following a health scare. Salman, who was among the first to visit Dharmendra during his hospitalization, emphasized their close bond and wished for his swift recovery. Speaking ahead of his Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded event, Salman was asked about his early fitness inspirations. Without hesitation, he credited Dharmendra as a pivotal influence, stating, ‘He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back.’ The audience erupted in cheers, chanting, ‘Long live Dharam ji!’ The two actors have shared a warm relationship for decades, with Dharmendra often affectionately referring to Salman as ‘beta’ (son) and even suggesting him as the ideal choice to portray him in a biopic. Dharmendra, 89, was discharged on Wednesday, with his family requesting privacy as he continues his recovery at home. The legendary actor, last seen in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ is set to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ this December. Meanwhile, Salman, who recently starred in ‘Sikandar’ and made a cameo in Aryan Khan’s web series ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood,’ continues to host ‘Bigg Boss 19.’ His upcoming project, ‘Battle of Galwan,’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is highly anticipated.
Salman Khan calls Dharmendra a father-figure as veteran actor recovers after hospitalisation
