In a heart‑warming clip that has taken Bollywood fans by surprise, legendary actor Dharmendra and his long‑time co‑star Hema Malini were seen laughing and singing together to the iconic “Aas Paas” song “Dariya Mein Phenk Do Chabi.” The footage, recorded in July 2025, surfaced on social media just four months before Dharmendra’s passing in November 2025, leaving audiences nostalgic and emotional.
Background/Context
Dharmendra, often hailed as the “He‑Man” of Hindi cinema, and Hema Malini, the “Dream Girl,” formed one of the most celebrated on‑screen couples of the 1970s and 1980s. Their chemistry was immortalised in classics such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and the 1981 romantic drama Aas Paas. The film’s soundtrack, composed by R. D. Burman, remains a staple of Bollywood nostalgia, with “Dariya Mein Phenk Do Chabi” topping charts and still being played at weddings and parties.
When Dharmendra’s health began to decline in early 2025, the film fraternity and fans alike kept a watchful eye on his well‑being. His death on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89 marked the end of an era. Yet, the newly surfaced video offers a rare glimpse of the actor’s vibrant personality in his final months, reinforcing his legacy as a charismatic performer who could still light up a room with a song.
Key Developments
The clip was first shared by radio jockey RJ Anirudh Chawla on Instagram on 18 January 2026. In the 45‑second video, Dharmendra and Hema Malini are seen in matching purple outfits, dancing and singing along to “Dariya Mein Phenk Do Chabi.” The footage was captured during a casual meet‑up in July 2025, when Chawla visited Dharmendra to seek his blessings for an upcoming Canada concert tour and to book a slot with Hema Malini for the same event.
Chawla’s caption read: “Unforgettable moments with Hema Malini ji and Dharmendra ji, as we sang their superhit song, DARIYA MEIN PHENK DO CHABI, from AAS PAAS together!” The post quickly went viral, amassing over 2.3 million likes and 150,000 comments within 48 hours. Fans flooded the comments section with tributes, sharing memories of the pair’s on‑screen chemistry and expressing gratitude for the glimpse into Dharmendra’s final days.
In addition to the video, Chawla announced that Hema Malini’s upcoming “Dream Run” concert tour would feature a special tribute segment dedicated to Dharmendra. The tour, set to launch in March 2026, will revisit their most celebrated films, including Sholay, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, and Aas Paas, with anecdotes and music from their joint projects.
Impact Analysis
For fans, the video has become a symbol of closure and celebration. According to a survey conducted by Bollywood Pulse in February 2026, 78% of respondents said the clip helped them “feel closer to Dharmendra’s legacy.” The emotional response was amplified by the timing of the release, which came just months after the actor’s death, providing a bittersweet reminder of his enduring charm.
From an industry perspective, the clip underscores the power of archival footage in shaping legacy narratives. Film historians note that such unseen material can reignite interest in classic films, leading to increased streaming numbers and renewed box‑office interest. Indeed, Aas Paas saw a 35% rise in viewership on major streaming platforms in the week following the video’s release.
For students of film and media, the clip offers a case study in how personal moments can be leveraged to create emotional engagement. The authenticity of the footage—captured in a candid setting—provides a contrast to the polished, scripted scenes typical of Bollywood productions, highlighting the importance of genuine human connection in storytelling.
Expert Insights/Tips
Film critic Rohit Kumar of Filmfare comments, “The Dharmendra Hema Malini Aas Paas video is a masterclass in nostalgia marketing. By sharing a personal, unfiltered moment, the creators tapped into the audience’s emotional reservoir, turning a simple song into a communal experience.”
For content creators looking to replicate this success, Kumar advises focusing on authenticity and timing. “Choose moments that resonate with your audience’s shared memories,” he says. “And release them when the emotional stakes are high—such as anniversaries or after a significant event.”
Marketing strategist Neha Singh adds that the video’s virality was amplified by strategic use of hashtags and cross‑platform promotion. “The hashtag #DharmendraHemaMaliniAasPaasVideo trended on Twitter for 12 hours, driving traffic to Instagram and YouTube. Coordinated posting across platforms is key to maximizing reach.”
For students and aspiring filmmakers, the clip also illustrates the importance of preserving archival material. “Archival footage is a treasure trove,” says archivist Arjun Patel. “Proper digitisation and metadata tagging ensure that future generations can access and appreciate these cultural artifacts.”
Looking Ahead
With Hema Malini’s “Dream Run” concert set to launch in March 2026, the industry anticipates a surge in interest for the pair’s filmography. The concert will feature a live rendition of “Dariya Mein Phenk Do Chabi,” accompanied by a holographic tribute to Dharmendra, showcasing how technology can honour legacy while engaging modern audiences.
Film studios are also exploring re‑releases of Aas Paas and other Dharmendra‑Hema Malini collaborations on premium streaming services. Negotiations are underway for a special edition of the film, complete with behind‑the‑scenes footage and commentary from contemporary actors who were inspired by the duo.
In the broader context of Bollywood’s evolving narrative, the Dharmendra Hema Malini Aas Paas video exemplifies how personal stories can be woven into the larger tapestry of cinema history. As the industry continues to digitise and archive its heritage, such moments will become increasingly accessible, allowing new generations to experience the magic of classic Bollywood.
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