National Desk: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Monday paid an emotional tribute to late actor Dharmendra on the Puri beach by creating a stunning sand sculpture in his honour. Pattnaik crafted a heartfelt message along with the artwork, reading: “May Dharmendra Ji’s soul rest in peace — the end of an era.”
Using nearly six tonnes of sand, Pattnaik sculpted a five-foot-long sand statue capturing the grace and charismatic persona of the legendary actor. Students from Pattnaik’s Sand Art Institute also assisted in creating this impressive artwork.
Reflecting on Dharmendra’s legacy, Pattnaik said that Bollywood’s iconic “He-Man” acted in over 300 films in a career spanning six decades. His unmatched charm, powerful screen presence, and versatility won the hearts of millions.
Films like Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, and Chupke Chupke left an unforgettable mark on Indian cinema. Dialogues such as “Kutte, kameene, main tera khoon pi jaunga!” and “Basanti, in kutton ke saamne mat nachna!” continue to echo across generations.
Pattnaik added, “Dharmendra Ji was not just an actor; he was an emotion for millions. This sculpture is a humble tribute to his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.”
