The Day I Skipped School & Watched My First Film in Theatre: Dharmendra’s Charas – Sonu Tyagi

By Sonu Tyagi, Founder, Approach Entertainment & Go Spiritual

Mumbai, November 24, 2025 – Today, as the news of Dharmendra ji’s passing reaches us, a profound silence falls over the world of cinema, but in my heart, it echoes with the thunderous applause of memories that began in the dim-lit halls of a small-town theatre. Dharmendra ji – the rugged, soul-stirring ‘He-Man’ who embodied resilience, romance, and raw humanity – was not just a screen icon for me; he was the very first flame that ignited my lifelong love affair with films. As the founder of Approach Entertainment, Approach Communications, and Go Spiritual India, where I blend storytelling with spiritual depth, I pen this tribute not as a mere admirer, but as a boy who found his calling under the spell of his silver-screen magic.

My journey into the enchanting realm of Bollywood began innocently enough: as a wide-eyed 6-year-old kid, taken by family to a local theatre in Ghaziabad to watch Naam, directed by Mahesh Bhatt and starring Sanjay Dutt and Kumar Gaurav, with the unforgettable Pankaj Udhas song Chithi Aayi Hai. I was too young to grasp the story’s nuances, but the flickering lights, the swell of music, and the collective gasps of the audience planted the seed of wonder. Yet, it was the black-and-white family dramas of that era – simple tales of love, duty, and unyielding spirit, often featuring stalwarts like Dharmendra ji in his early romantic and heroic roles – that truly captured my young imagination during those lazy Sunday outings. Films like Bandini (1963) or Anupama (1966), screened amid the aroma of popcorn and family chatter, became my secret sanctuary. They were more than entertainment; they were lessons in empathy, whispered through monochrome reels, teaching a child from a modest village the power of human connection. Dharmendra ji’s portrayals in those heartfelt family sagas, with his earnest eyes and steadfast charm, made the world feel both vast and intimately relatable.

But it was in my rebellious teenage years, skipping school in the 8th standard, that Dharmendra ji truly claimed my soul. Sneaking into Muradnagar Priya Cinema – a modest outpost of dreams in Western UP, near my village in Ghaziabad district – I caught Charas, the 1976 thriller directed by Ramanand Sagar, where he starred alongside the radiant Hema Malini ji. What a rush it was! The gripping chase through snowy landscapes, the intensity of his undercover cop navigating betrayal and bravery – it was pulse-pounding, heart-wrenching, and utterly transformative. As I sat there, heart racing in the darkness, Dharmendra ji’s powerful performance didn’t just captivate; it reshaped me. “Watching Charas was a turning point in my life. The magic of cinema and the powerful performances by Dharmendra ji and Hema Malini ji captivated me and set the foundation for my future endeavors in the entertainment world. It was an innocent rebellion that led me to discover my true calling.” That day, amid the thrill of evasion and the triumph of justice, I knew: this was my path. From psychology graduate to postgraduate in advertising management, journalism, and filmmaking; from honing skills at leading ad agencies and media houses to directing advertising films, music videos, and short films; from executive producing in Bollywood and Hollywood to launching spiritual web series like Two Great Masters – every frame I craft traces back to that spark.

As I grew, so did my adoration for his timeless repertoire. The black-and-white gems of his early days evolved into the color-soaked classics that redefined heroism. Who can forget Sholay (1975), where his Veeru rode into our hearts on that iconic motorcycle, bellowing “Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge” with Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai? It wasn’t just bromance; it was a manifesto for loyalty, a spiritual bond that mirrored the dharma he lived. Then came Chupke Chupke (1975), a riot of wit and warmth, where Dharmendra ji’s comic timing – that mischievous grin, those impeccable impersonations – proved he was as light-hearted as he was lion-hearted. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s masterpiece reminded us that true strength lies in laughter, a philosophy I carry into Go Spiritual India’s mission of fostering mental wellness and joy.

And Satyakam (1969)? Ah, Hrishikesh da’s philosophical gem, where Dharmendra ji essayed the idealist engineer Satyapriya, grappling with truth in a world of compromise. It was a film that pierced the soul, urging us to uphold integrity amid chaos – a message that resonates deeply in my work promoting spiritual awareness and philanthropy through Go Spiritual India. From the raw intensity of Phool Aur Patthar (1966) to the familial bonds in Dharam Veer (1977), and the vengeful fire of Pratiggya (1971), his filmography was a tapestry of life’s truths: love’s endurance, justice’s pursuit, and the quiet dignity of the common man. Even in later jewels like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), he brought that same effortless grace, proving legends only grow brighter with time. Through Approach Entertainment – where we’ve collaborated with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Bhagyashree, Jackie Shroff, Tanushree Dutta, Bobby Deol, and others for endorsements, events, and films – and Approach Communications, excelling in PR and brand management across Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Goa, Kolkata, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, his influence is woven into every project.

Dharmendra ji wasn’t merely an actor; he was a guru of the grit, teaching us through every role that true power blooms from vulnerability. His Jat Sikh roots, his unpretentious charm, his foray into politics as a BJP MP – all spoke of a man who lived the dharma he portrayed. In an industry often swayed by glamour, he remained Garam Dharam: warm, wise, and wildly human. As Go Spiritual – our not-for-profit dedicated to philanthropy, spiritual tourism, events, media, and social causes – launches initiatives like our news magazine and upcoming Web TV/OTT platform, I see his legacy in our quest to enlighten and inspire balanced lives.

Today, as we bid adieu to this colossus, I light a diya not just in grief, but in gratitude. Dharmendra ji, you took a curious child from Ghaziabad’s dusty lanes and handed him the key to a universe of stories. Your legacy – over 300 films strong, from monochrome whispers to Technicolor roars – will forever pulse in the hearts of filmmakers like me. Rest in eternal light, Paaji. May your dosti with the stars above be as unbreakable as Veeru’s vow. Om Shanti.

Yeh dosti… hum nahi todenge.

Sonu Tyagi is an award-winning writer, director, and producer; Founder of Approach Entertainment & Go Spiritual. Follow his journey at www.approachentertainment.com and download the Approach Bollywood App for more cinematic tributes.

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