Will Salman Khan fulfill Dharmendra Deol’s wish to portray him in a biopic? Fans are reflecting on this possibility after an old interview resurfaced, revealing the deep bond between the two stars.

The “He-Man of Bollywood,” Dharmendra, passed away on Monday morning, November 24, at the age of 89, just two weeks shy of his 90th birthday on December 8.

His departure has left the Hindi film fraternity and millions of fans around the world heartbroken. The Sholay legend had been battling respiratory issues and was recently hospitalized at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, before being discharged.

During that time, several Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Govinda, and Salman Khan, visited him, which also sparked widespread rumors and online hoaxes about his health.

In 2015, when asked whom he would like to see portray him in a biopic, Dharmendra named Salman Khan without hesitation. “Salman Khan. I think he has a lot of characteristics similar to mine.

He will be able to portray me onscreen perfectly,” he said, surprising many who expected him to mention his own sons Sunny, Bobby, or even his nephew Abhay.

The respect and affection between the two were mutual. Salman Khan, during his Da-Bangg Tour, described Dharmendra as his lifelong inspiration, saying, “Before I came along, there was only one person, and that is Dharam ji.

He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man.” In turn, Dharmendra fondly referred to Salman as his “third son.”

With Dharmendra’s passing, the possibility of Salman Khan honoring his wish by portraying him onscreen carries a profound emotional significance.

Given their close bond and Dharmendra’s own endorsement, Salman would not only be the most fitting choice but also pay a heartfelt tribute to a cinematic legend.

As Bollywood mourns the loss of an icon, megastars including Sanjay Dutt, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Ameesha Patel, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and many others have expressed their grief, calling Dharmendra's passing the "end of an era."