Veteran actress and politician Bina Kak has shared a touching recollection of her first meeting with Bollywood icon Dharmendra in 1986, during a time when the actor is currently hospitalized. The heartfelt remembrance arrives amidst nationwide prayers and concerns for the health of the legendary "Sholay" star.

Kak took to Instagram to post a monochrome picture of Dharmendra from his younger days, fondly addressing him as "Dharam P ha jee (bhappa jee)". She recalled meeting him when she was a Deputy Minister in Rajasthan. Dharmendra was in the state for a film shoot and had come to meet the then Chief Minister, the late Harideo Joshi.

Kak vividly described the moment, stating that when they shook hands, her hand "just got lost in his big hand!". She further characterized Dharmendra as a loving, cultured, and deeply affectionate family man with a love for nature and good food.

In her Instagram post, Kak conveyed her ongoing admiration and support for Dharmendra, urging him to "stay there PA jee" and to "be there". She emphasized his resilient spirit, declaring, "You are a fighter," and assured him that "The Nation is praying for your Good health".

Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Monday, November 10, 2025. While the Deol family has remained relatively tight-lipped about his condition, his son, Sunny Deol, confirmed that his father is stable and under observation. He also requested that everyone respect the family's privacy and pray for his speedy recovery. False reports of Dharmendra's death circulated on social media, prompting Hema Malini to condemn the misinformation as "unforgivable" and "highly irresponsible".

The news of Dharmendra's hospitalization has prompted an outpouring of support and well-wishes from fans and fellow members of the film fraternity. Actress Divya Dutta shared a video on Instagram expressing her connection to Dharmendra, noting that they are from the same town in Punjab. She reminisced about how his movies and persona have been woven into their lives and childhoods.

Bina Kak's tribute joins the chorus of prayers and hopes for Dharmendra's recovery. Her personal anecdote provides a glimpse into the actor's character, reinforcing the image of a man loved and respected by many. Her message serves as a reminder of the veteran actor's enduring impact on Indian cinema and the hearts of his admirers.