No birthday celebrations for everyone’s favourite Macho Man Dharmendra

“Shashi(Kapoor) is gone. And I am in​ no​ mood to celebrate. I’ve told my family not to plan anything for  my birthday. Dil nahin karta. Shashi was  younger than me. We were friends and  colleagues and I always admired his work, as he admired mine. It’s heartbreaking when  a colleague and friend leaves,” Dharamji’s voice drops to a wistful low.

I remind  the eternal matinee idol that Shashi Kapoor was suffering. “Yes, I know. The worst curse in  old age is  bad health. But knowing that a  loved one is suffering does not take the pain  away from your loss. That way I am selfish and  very emotional. I want  my loved ones around  at any cost.”

Dharamji admits losing loved ones is  his greatest fear. “Every time  a colleague goes, I am overwhelmed with emotion. Shashi’s going has affected me deeply. I  mourn for  the loss of a friend . His family ,specially his brother Raj Saab with whom I had the privilege of working in Mera Naam Joker ,is very dear to me.”