Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Aamir Khan recalls Dharmendra meeting, hand felt 'like a shovel'
A famous Bollywood movie star named Aamir Khan told a fun story on a TV quiz show.
The story was about another famous movie star named Dharmendra.
Dharmendra was a very big and strong actor, known as the 'He-Man of Bollywood.'
When Aamir was young and just starting out in movies, he met Dharmendra for the first time.
They met at the office of a filmmaker named Nasir Hussain, right across from Mehboob Studio in Mumbai.
When Aamir shook Dharmendra's hand, he was surprised because it was big and rough, like a shovel.
Aamir was a little scared by how big the hand was.
He said his first thought was about Sunny and Bobby.
Dharmendra acted in movies for more than 60 years and was in over 300 films.
He passed away in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, when he was 89 years old.
Aamir Khan recalled his first meeting with Dharmendra during his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18.
Aamir said Dharmendra's hand felt 'like a shovel' and that he was actually scared during their handshake.
The first meeting happened at filmmaker Nasir Hussain's office opposite Mehboob Studio in Mumbai, when Aamir was an assistant director.
Nasir Hussain introduced Aamir to Dharmendra as his nephew during the encounter.
Dharmendra died in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, at age 89, after more than six decades and over 300 films.
- Who
- Aamir Khan, who shared the memory with Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, and the late Bollywood superstar Dharmendra.
- What
- Aamir Khan recalled his first meeting with Dharmendra, saying his handshake felt 'like a shovel' and scared him.
- When
- The story was shared during Aamir Khan's appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18; Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025.
- Where
- The first meeting took place at Nasir Hussain's office opposite Mehboob Studio in Mumbai; Dharmendra died in Mumbai.
- Why
- Aamir Khan shared the anecdote while recalling his early days as an assistant director in the film industry.
- Program
- Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18
- Co-guests
- Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta
- Original Meeting Place
- Nasir Hussain's office opposite Mehboob Studio, Mumbai
- Dharmendra's Death
- November 24, 2025, in Mumbai
- Age at Death
- 89
- Career Span
- More than six decades
- Films Featured In
- Over 300 films
- Debut Year
- 1960