Dharmendra’s unforgettable bond with Jharkhand
When Dharmendra brought ‘Satyakam’ to Jharkhand’s beautiful landscapes
“Satyakam” and “Mohabbat Zindagi Hai” Bring Bollywood to the Green Hills of Ghatshila and Dhanbad
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Nov 24: The legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra—fondly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema—may have bid farewell to the world, but his memories remain deeply etched in the heart of Jharkhand.
His connection with the state dates back to the 1960s, when its untouched natural beauty became the backdrop of some of the finest Hindi films ever made.
Before arriving in Ghatshila near Jamshedpur, Dharmendra first came to Jharkhand in 1966 for the shooting of Mohabbat Zindagi Hai in Dhanbad.
The serene Topchanchi Lake witnessed the actor’s iconic leap into the waters, while songs like “Tumhari Mulakat Se” captured the mesmerizing beauty of the region’s forests. Several scenes showcased the rugged charm of Jharia’s coal mines, bringing Dhanbad’s identity vividly to the silver screen.
Three years later, in 1969, Dharmendra returned—this time to the picturesque town of Ghatshila. Nestled among rocky hills and flowing riverbeds formed by the shimmering Subarnarekha, the region’s lush landscapes have always fascinated travellers.
But, it was Satyakam, directed by the iconic Hrishikesh Mukherjee, that immortalized this wonderland in cinema history.
Many crucial scenes and songs featuring Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore were filmed at the iconic Phuldungri hill, the Ratmohona riverside stretch, and the surrounding thickets of tall sal trees.
Locals still recall the excitement that swept the area when news spread that the superstar duo was shooting nearby.
Residents from Ghatshila and even Jamshedpur thronged to witness the actors up close.
Rohit Singh, a local resident, recalls that the shooting took place between February and March 1969, thanks to the efforts of Mukul Chakravarty, a relative of Mukherjee, who coordinated the entire schedule.
Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, David, Manmohan, and Robi Ghosh were among the notable actors who shot here. Even Mukul Babu’s jeep was used as a prop in the film.
Anyone who watches Satyakam today can spot glimpses of this charming town—the green slopes of Phuldungri, the glistening Subarnarekha, and intimate visuals like Sharmila offering water to Dharmendra using a small lota while scenic hills stand proudly behind them.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee beautifully captured Ghatshila’s untamed elegance, giving it cinematic immortality.
The region has long been a magnet for storytellers—great filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak once shot here, and celebrated novelist Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay lived in Ghatshila, adding cultural depth to its legacy.
Dharmendra’s passing marks a colossal loss for Indian cinema. From Sholay’s unforgettable “Basanti…” to evergreen classics like Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and countless other iconic roles—he ruled the hearts of millions with his charm, simplicity, and powerful performances.
For many fans, nostalgia still lives in every dialogue, every song.
For Ghatshila and Dhanbad, the news of his demise has revived memories of a time when a legend walked their hills, breathed their air, and brought the magic of cinema to their land.
Dharmendra may be gone—but his cinematic footprints remain forever engraved in the soil of Jharkhand.
