Dharmendra’s Secret Sips on Film Sets: The Day Moushumi Chatterjee Caught Him Red-Handed
Bollywood’s original He-Man, Dharmendra, is known for his charismatic on-screen presence and larger-than-life persona. But behind the scenes, the veteran actor had his share of mischievous moments, especially when it came to sneaking a drink or two during film shoots.
In a candid revelation on the popular TV show Aap Ki Adalat, Dharmendra shared amusing anecdotes from the sets of the iconic film Sholay. The actor confessed that he used to secretly indulge in alcohol during shoots, often raiding the cameraman’s stash. “Our cameraman Jim, who worked with us in Sholay, would always bring 5-6 bottles of alcohol to the set. I would quietly drink from his stock,” Dharmendra said with a chuckle.
One day, after a particularly long session of secret sipping, someone informed Dharmendra that he had downed 12 bottles. The actor, in sheer disbelief, responded, “How did this happen? I don’t know!” Laughing at his own antics, he added, “If love and alcohol didn’t exist, would life be worth living?”
Dharmendra also revealed his on-and-off relationship with alcohol, admitting, “I once quit drinking for six months. I’d play badminton, sweat it out, and then start again. I am a bit extreme like that.”
But perhaps the most entertaining incident came when actress Moushumi Chatterjee caught him mid-sip on another film set. Recalling the moment, Dharmendra shared, “One afternoon, I felt like having beer. I asked the production team to make it foamy so it would look like lassi.”
As fate would have it, Moushumi spotted him and asked, “Dharmendra, what are you drinking?” Trying to cover up, he replied, “I’m drinking lassi.” But Moushumi wasn’t letting it go that easy. With a playful grin, she said, “Okay then, give me some too.” Caught in the act, Dharmendra burst out laughing and confessed, “I’m drinking beer! But nothing really happens with beer anyway.”
These light-hearted tales only add to Dharmendra’s legendary charm — a superstar who not only ruled the silver screen but also lived life with zest and a twinkle in his eye.
