The film’s climax is haunting: Dharmendra’s character, along with a Ladakhi woman he befriends, dies while covering his men’s retreat—an act in keeping with the finest traditions of military leadership
Dharmendra’s passing on November 24 has plunged the nation into mourning, but it has also reopened a powerful chapter in Indian film history—one where the beloved star helped bring the bravery, pain and truth of India’s soldiers into the homes of millions. While the recently released 120 Bahadur has once again turned the spotlight on the heroic Battle of Rezang La, it was over six decades ago that Chetan Anand’s landmark film Haqeeqat (1964), featuring a young Dharmendra, first translated the horrors and valour of the 1962 India–China war to the screen.
Considered one of India’s greatest war films, Haqeeqat was loosely based on the Battle of Rezang La, where the Ahir Company of 13 Kumaon, led by the indomitable Major Shaitan Singh, held their ground against an overwhelming Chinese onslaught. Surrounded and outnumbered, the soldiers fought to the last breath, inflicting heavy casualties despite losing 95 per cent of their own. The battle remains one of the finest examples of raw courage in Indian military history.
Dharmendra portrayed Captain Bahadur Singh, a character inspired by Major Shaitan Singh. His immediate senior, Major Ranjit Singh, was played by Balraj Sahni, while the commanding Brigadier Singh—based on the real-life Chushul Brigade commander Brigadier T.N. Raina—was portrayed by Jayant. In the film, the Brigadier is also the Captain’s father, heightening the emotional conflict of a leader forced to send his own son into almost certain death.
The film’s climax is haunting: Dharmendra’s character, along with a Ladakhi woman he befriends, dies while covering his men’s retreat—an act in keeping with the finest traditions of military leadership. A montage of fallen soldiers, grieving families and a nation rallying behind its troops plays to the unforgettable “Kar chale hum fida,” sung by Mohammed Rafi, with lyrics by Kaifi Azmi and music by Madan Mohan. The stark Ladakh landscapes and unfiltered portrayal of war earned Haqeeqat praise nationwide, though a few veterans voiced disappointment at small inaccuracies—such as the regiment’s shoulder badges being shown as Punjab Regiment instead of Kumaon.
The film’s making also carries a remarkable anecdote. Despite receiving support from the Army and Air Force, director Chetan Anand found himself short of Rs 10,000. A friend urged him to seek help from then Punjab Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon. Not only did Kairon instantly approve Rs 2 lakh, he simply requested that the sacrifices of Punjab’s soldiers also be honoured. This gesture, rare in its generosity, helped complete a film that would go on to define India’s cinematic memory of war.
For Dharmendra, Haqeeqat was one of the earliest and most defining roles of his career. But it wasn’t his only tryst with a uniform. He later appeared as a naval officer in Tum Haseen Main Jawaan (1970) and as Major Ram Kapoor in Lalkaar (1972), a World War II action drama set in Burma. The actor will also be seen posthumously in Ikkis, playing Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, father of Param Vir Chakra awardee 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal.
As the industry continues remembering Dharmendra, another heartfelt story has resurfaced—his six-decade bond with celebrated writer Salim Khan. In an old interview, Salim Khan recalled, “We have known each other since 1958–59. Both of us saw a lot of struggle. Many things are common between us.” He described Dharmendra as “a wonderful person” and shared that he first thought of casting him in Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya before the role eventually went to another actor. “He is like a family member,” Khan said. In a poignant twist of fate, Dharmendra passed away on the very day Salim Khan turned 90.
Dharmendra’s cremation on November 24 at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium drew the entire who’s who of Bollywood. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and countless others arrived to pay their final respects. The actor had recently been hospitalised due to breathing issues and placed on a ventilator before being discharged.
The late icon leaves behind a large grieving family: his first wife Prakash Kaur and their four children—Sunny, Bobby, Vijayta and Ajeta Deol; and his wife Hema Malini with their daughters Esha and Ahana Deol.
The Deol family has now announced a memorial gathering titled Celebration of Life, to be held on November 27. Rather than a traditional prayer meet, the event aims to honour Dharmendra’s legacy with music and memories. Singer Sonu Nigam is expected to perform some of Dharmendra’s most beloved songs.
A steady procession of stars and colleagues has been visiting the Deol residence to offer condolences. Jeetendra, Dharmendra’s close friend for nearly 50 years, arrived despite his frail health. Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan, Varun Dhawan, Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani and others were also seen comforting the family.
Dharmendra may have bid farewell, but his legacy—of warmth, humility, friendship and unforgettable performances—remains etched in Indian cinema. And through films like Haqeeqat, he ensured that the courage of India’s soldiers would never be forgotten.
