Director Samir Karnik pays tribute to Dharmendra; says he treated him like a son | Exclusive

Mumbai: Legendary actor Dharmendra, Bollywood's beloved 'He-Man', passed away on November 24, 2025. Director Samir Karnik recollected his memories of the great actor. Speaking exclusively to New9, the filmmaker stated that Dharmendra treated him like a son. 

"He always treated me like a son. In good times, bad times, tough times, or when you’re down and out, Dharam Paaji has always been there for me. What a personality. What a heart! He was all heart! He never judged you, never questioned you about what films you have made, which ones did well, or which didn’t. He always said to always make a good film. Great energy," said the director.  Further, he lauded the late actor's humility and generosity. 

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"He was a parent not only to me but to everyone who was around. He was a friend to everyone who was around. He was a dildaar; you’ve never met anyone like him. His humility was great. He was such a big star, a mega star, but he kept his life simple. That is what I learned from him," said the director. 

When asked about the lessons he learned from Dharmendra, Karnik stated that it was his never-give-up attitude. He also spoke of the actor's spontaneity. 

"One thing I learned from him is to never give up. He believed that if you do good things, good things will happen to you. He was positive; he never believed in anything negative. On trivia, I can share, his spontaneity in his performances and in his acting—no one can match that. At least, no one I have worked with or come across in the films I have worked in. No one can match his energy. He was just lively and could make a scene come alive with his spontaneity," said Karnik.

Speaking of the Deols, the director stated, "All three of them are beautiful in their own way. All are very hard-working and meticulous. I just feel very sad for the Deols, including myself. I feel that I am a part of that family, and it’s just something very sad."