Not Sunny or Bobby, Dharmendra once chose Salman for biopic
11 Nov 2025

Veteran actor Dharmendra (89) is currently battling age-related ailments at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital.

His wife, actor-politician Hema Malini, has slammed widespread rumors of the actor breathing his last.

Amid this, a decade-old interview of the Sholay star praising Salman Khan has resurfaced online.

In it, he also revealed why he thinks Khan would be perfect for his biopic.

This is what Dharmendra said about Khan
Biopic casting

In a 2015 interview with Bollywood Life, Dharmendra had said, "Salman Khan has a lot of characteristics which are very similar to mine."

"I think he will be able to portray me onscreen perfectly."

In another interview at the trailer launch of his film Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Dharmendra had called Khan "a very good human being" and "genuine."

Dharmendra on 1st meeting Khan
First meeting

Dharmendra also recalled the first time he met Khan.

"Once I was shooting a film near a lake, and that was the first time I saw Salman. He was quite shy...and even today, he is very shy."

"While shooting, the camera dropped into the lake and he dived to take it out. At that time, I thought, 'He's quite courageous too.' He is an emotional man."

Khan shares close ties with the Deol family and visited Dharmendra on Monday night.

Meanwhile, on Dharmendra's health
Health update

On Tuesday, Malini took to X to slam the rumors surrounding her husband's health.

She wrote, "What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering?"

"This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy."

Sunny Deol's team later shared, "Sir is recovering and responding to treatment, let's all pray for his good health and long life."