As the film industry continues to mourn the loss of Dharmendra, who passed away at 89 on November 24, a deeply personal story shared by PT Usha has reminded fans why he was cherished far beyond his films. The veteran actor, who had recently returned home after being discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, left behind a legacy that spans over six decades, and, as it turns out, countless lives touched quietly and thoughtfully.
While social media has been flooded with tributes calling his death the “end of an era,” PT Usha’s remembrance stands out for its warmth and simplicity. At a time when she was emerging as India’s star sprinter in the 1980s, a gesture from Dharmendra had stayed with her for nearly four decades.
In a post shared on X, PT Usha revisited a memory from 1986, the year she dominated the Asian Games in Seoul. Sharing a picture of the late actor, she wrote, “In 1986, after winning 4 & 1 at the Asian Games, Dharmendra ji sent me Rs. 50,000/- cash prize for my achievement. We couldn’t meet personally due to our busy schedules, but sometimes love & affection are enough to keep the hearts connected even 1000 miles apart. RIP.”
In 1986, after winning 4 & 1 at the Asian Games, Dharmendra ji sent me Rs. 50,000/- cash prize for my achievement. We couldn’t meet personally due to our busy schedules but sometimes love & affection are enough to keep the hearts connected even 1000 miles apart. RIP pic.twitter.com/2qXBO4fv7X
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) November 25, 2025
Her words captured the humility of an era where film icons often extended support quietly, without spotlight or fanfare. For PT Usha, who was then rewriting India’s athletic history, the gesture came as both encouragement and acknowledgement.
The 1986 Asian Games marked one of the highest points in PT Usha’s career. She returned home with four gold medals — in 200m, 400m, 4x400m relay, and 4x100m relay — all of them accompanied by new Games records. Her silver in the 100m, after a close finish with rival Lydia de Vega, remains one of the most talked-about races from that year.
By then, Usha had already been recognised with the Arjuna Award (1983) and the Padma Shri (1985). Later, she was honoured as the “Sportsperson of the Century” and “Sportswoman of the Millennium” by the Indian Olympic Association.
PT Usha is not the only sportsperson to remember Dharmendra fondly. Following the news of his demise, cricketers Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar also shared heartfelt tributes, calling him one of the most unforgettable stars Indian cinema has produced.
Dharmendra’s filmography is unmatched, from Phool Aur Patthar and Aye Din Bahar Ke to Sholay, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Dharam Veer. His final appearance will be in the upcoming war drama Ikkis, alongside Agastya Nanda.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Entertainment News on India.com.
