From Fan to Friend: A Keralite’s Enduring Bond with Dharmendra
Saifullah Cholakkal, a 63-year-old from Malappuram, reflects on his extraordinary decades-long friendship with Bollywood legend Dharmendra — a bond that began with admiration and grew into a cherished personal relationship. What started as Saifullah’s youthful fandom evolved into a deep connection after he reached out to the actor years ago, eventually leading to regular conversations, visits, and a sense of mutual affection.
Saifullah recalls Dharmendra’s warmth, humility, and openness, qualities that made the superstar more like family than a distant celebrity. Their meetings in Mumbai and Saifullah’s occasional stays at the actor’s home form some of his most treasured memories.
With Dharmendra’s passing, Saifullah says he feels as though he has lost a family member. The friendship, he notes, was one of the greatest blessings of his life — a reminder of how genuine kindness can bridge worlds, turning admiration into lifelong companionship.
From Fan to Friend: A Keralite’s Enduring Bond with Dharmendra
