Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 24 (ANI): The Indian film industry plunged into mourning on Monday following the death of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89. Widely celebrated as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, Dharmendra’s demise marks the end of an era in Bollywood.
The final rites were performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, where a large number of film personalities gathered to pay their last respects. Actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Govinda, Aamir Khan, Saira Banu, Abhishek Bachchan, Rekha, Sanjay Dutt, Zahed Khan, Anil Sharma, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Rajkumar Santoshi, and several others were seen offering condolences to the grieving Deol family.
Acharya Bhupendra Shastri, who performed the last rites, said, “All the rituals have been performed. We pray for the salvation of the soul of the great actor. All the members of the family were present. No one can fill his space. He was a gem for the country… a legacy for society. He has millions of fans across the world.”
Mehul, the ambulance driver who transported Dharmendra’s mortal remains to the crematorium, recalled being notified around 11:30 a.m. and reaching the venue within ten minutes of leaving the actor’s residence.
Dharmendra had been unwell for some time. On November 10, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health. He was discharged two days later as the family opted for home treatment. He passed away on November 24.
Outpouring of Grief from Film Fraternity
Bollywood was united in grief as tributes poured in from actors across generations.
Shah Rukh Khan, mourning the loss of a man he called a “father figure,” wrote on X, “Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me… Thank you for showering me with blessings and love. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers worldwide. You are immortal, and your soul will live through your films and your beautiful family forever. Love you always.”
Sanjay Dutt shared an emotional message: “Some people don’t just work in your life. They live in your heart. Dharam ji was one of them. It’s a void that can’t be described. My thoughts are with Sunny, Bobby, and the entire family.”
Kapil Sharma, grieving deeply, compared Dharmendra’s passing to losing his father: “Goodbye Dharma Paji. Your going is so sad—it feels like losing a father for the second time. The love and blessings you gave me will always remain in my heart. No one knew better than you how to settle in someone’s heart in a moment. In our hearts, you will always be. May God place you in His feet.”
South Indian superstar Allu Arjun also expressed condolences, calling Dharmendra “a legend who touched millions of hearts.”
Anil Kapoor described the veteran actor as the “hero, father, and the OG Punjabi” of Indian cinema. “Dharam ji was hard to capture in one sentence… a man who was as keenly emotional as he was mischievous, larger than life yet relatably human. Indian cinema will never be the same, but it will stay strong to pay tribute to his life and journey.”
Singer Shreya Ghoshal remembered Dharmendra as an icon whose “legacy will continue to inspire generations,” sharing a cherished photograph with him.
A Storied Legacy in Indian Cinema
In a career spanning more than six decades and over 300 films, Dharmendra carved a special place in the hearts of millions. Known for his romantic charm in the 1960s and 1970s, his performances in Aayee Milan Ki Bela, Ankhen, Neela Aakash, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, Pyar Hi Pyar, and Mamta solidified his status as a romantic hero.
He later reinvented himself as an action star and a comedic favorite, delivering iconic performances in Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Azaad, Charas, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Dillagi.
Dharmendra’s final film appearance was in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), in which he played the role of Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather.
Family and Survivors
Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children—Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, and Ajeita from his first marriage, and Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.
An Irreplaceable Loss
From co-stars to crew members, from industry veterans to young actors inspired by his work, tributes reflect the profound impact Dharmendra had on Indian cinema and popular culture. His legacy—marked by versatility, humility, charm, and sheer star power—will continue to live on in the hearts of fans across the world.
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