New Delhi: Dharmendra’s Instagram account isn’t an average flashy celebrity profile. It’s more like a journal shared with his 2.8 million followers, whom he always addressed as “friends.” It became a space where his audience could see the legend, but also the human behind the iconic roles. Here, Dharmendra wasn’t the He-Man of Bollywood.
Instead of just showing stardom, the actor used his social presence to reflect on life, ageing, health, and legacy. His Instagram posts painted a picture of a man at peace with his achievements and rooted in his simple rural values.
One recurring theme in his social media presence is his commitment to staying fit and healthy. Dharmendra posted a video, which showed him doing physiotherapy, capturing his determination to remain active. In the clip, he is seen lying on a bed as his physiotherapist uses a resistance band to help him with leg rotations.
He even posted some videos of himself swimming and doing physical therapy inside a swimming pool. In one clip, he floats with the support of a tube, and in another he uses a ball for hand exercises. He also shared a clip of himself performing body movements with the help of a trainer. And, these videos have wowed the audience.
“Nothing can be more inspirational than this,” a user, p.k.nirwal commented.
Another said, “You are really a motivation for today’s youth sir. Hats off to you.”
This wasn’t just vanity. It was a deliberate sharing of his own vulnerability and ageing journey, framed positively through self-care.
Such posts did more than just show him going through physical or physio therapy, they humanised him.
In an era where celebrities often avoid showing their frailty, Dharmendra’s willingness to share his physical struggles spoke of a kind of bravery, and an acceptance of life’s later chapters.
Also read: Top 10 Dharmendra songs that captured his charisma and charm
Promotions, throwbacks and more
Like every actor, Dharmendra used the platform for promoting his projects. One of his final posts promoted the trailer of his upcoming film Ikkis, headlined by Agastya Nanda.
“Woh Ikkis Ka Tha, Ikkis Ka Hi Rahega!” read the caption of the post.
Many of his videos and photos featured him working on his farm. Sometimes he was seen driving a tractor, tending to crops, and giving a peek into organic and agrarian lifestyle.
Dharmendra also shared throwback-style posts. One recalled his camaraderie with old friends from his film days, like his reunion with actor Avtar Gill and Ranjeet.
He would often share pictures and interactions with his friend and actor Dilip Kumar.
This catered not just to fans of his classic work, but to those who long for the golden era of Hindi cinema. It also reinforced his identity as a living bridge to a bygone era.
Also read: When Dharmendra used a Sholay dialogue in his 2004 election campaign
His poetic side
Another strand of his Instagram persona was poetic and philosophical.
He would often share small 50-second to one minute shayaris, which enjoyed views in millions. One of his recent uploads, where Dharmendra compared the good and bad times, clocked 49.5 million views.
“Lehr khushi ki aate hi chali jati hai, aur ghadi ghum ki jate jate jati hai (The wave of happiness comes and goes, but the sad times go slowly and gradually),” he said.
In another clip, Dharmendra shared a deeply emotional shayari about life and mortality. In that clip, he reflects on what it means to have achieved so much, but still feel that life is unfinished.
“Sab kuch paa kar bhi hasil-e-zindagi kuch bhi nahi, kambhakt jaan kyon jati hai, jate hue… Pata nahi kaha le jaayenge … saath le jaayenge … ikkata krte rahe … (After crossing every obstacle, you achieve nothing in life. So, why does one die while dying, no one knows where we will take it, will take it along.) Anyway, it’s human nature, keep collecting. Take care, enjoy your life. Love to all,” Dharmendra said. This clip has amassed over 20.3 million views.
Now, the video, originally shared on 8 June, has been going viral. It is being interpreted as a farewell message.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)