Author: Ankita Singh

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar recently paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra, reflecting on their collaboration in the 1995 film “Maidan-E-Jung.” He fondly remembered Dharmendra as the man every young boy aspired to become.

A True Inspiration

Sharing his heartfelt sentiments, Akshay described Dharmendra as the industry’s “original He-Man,” whose larger-than-life presence has inspired generations of actors and moviegoers alike.

On Instagram, he posted a picture with the late star and wrote: “Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be…our industry’s original He-Man. Thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread. Om Shanti.”

About “Maidan-E-Jung”

“Maidan-E-Jung,” directed by K.C. Bokadia, features a diverse ensemble cast, including Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar, Jaya Prada, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, Mukesh Khanna, Amrish Puri, and Gulshan Grover. This film marks the last on-screen appearance of Manoj Kumar, who retired from acting post-release and passed away in April 2025.

A Legacy Remembered

Veteran actor Dharmendra, aged 89, passed away on Monday morning. He had been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on November 12 and was reported to be recovering well at home, according to Dr. Rajiv Sharma from the hospital, who mentioned that the legendary star left “fully satisfied” after receiving the necessary treatment.

Prior to his discharge, on November 10, Dharmendra was in critical condition and had required life support at the hospital. As of October 31, he was under strict medical observation by top doctors.

Notably, the superstar would have turned 90 on December 8.

Akshay’s Recent Work

On the work front, Akshay Kumar was recently seen in “Jolly LLB 3,” directed by Subhash Kapoor. This is the third installment in the Jolly LLB series, serving as the sequel to “Jolly LLB 2.” The film also stars Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, as well as Amrita Rao and Huma Qureshi, all reprising their roles from previous films.

Actor Ali Fazal has mourned the passing of veteran star Dharmendra, stating that legends never truly leave us.

A Fond Tribute

Remembering the iconic figure, Ali expressed on Instagram that there are “no goodbyes” for someone whose work and presence shaped generations. He added that the late star’s memories “stay locked in with us for ever and ever”.

Sharing three pictures of Dharmendra from his younger days, Ali wrote: “RIP DHARMENDRA JI.. to a legend there are no goodbyes. Your memories stay locked in with us for ever and ever. Our condolences to the entire family.”

A Life Well Lived

Dharmendra was 89 when he breathed his last. The beloved superstar was set to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8. On November 12, he had been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai and was reported to be in stable condition, recovering well at home.

Dr. Rajiv Sharma from the hospital mentioned that the legendary star had gone home “fully satisfied” after receiving the necessary treatment. However, sources close to the situation had indicated that Dharmendra was critical and on life support back on November 10. Earlier, on October 31, he was under strict medical observation by top doctors at the Breach Candy Hospital.

Looking Ahead

On a different note, Ali will next be seen in the movie adaptation of the popular crime-thriller series “Mirzapur”. The series follows Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi, a crime boss and businessman who rules the Mirzapur district in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh.

The first season featured a strong ensemble cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The second season retains most of the main cast, excluding Vikrant and Shriya, while introducing new members like Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Lilliput, Anjum Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Anangsha Biswas, and Neha Sargam.

Filming for the series predominantly took place across Uttar Pradesh, mainly in Mirzapur and locations such as Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi. The film adaptation of the series is reportedly scheduled for a 2026 release.

A raw youth from Punjab, Dharmendra found himself in the Hindi film industry after a national talent hunt. He was filled with excitement when his first producer asked him to wait for his signing amount, expecting a princely sum.

However, he was greeted with a modest stipend—out of what the producer had in his pockets! Recalling this incident nearly two decades later, Dharmendra revealed he ended up receiving only Rs 51.

The Bollywood ‘He-Man’ shared that he had originally signed for Shola Aur Shabnam before T.M. Bihari’s Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Interestingly, the latter, which starred Balraj Sahni and Kumkum and was directed by Arjun Hingorani, was released first, making it his debut film.

As Dharmendra arrived at the studio, Bihari and his associate Thakkar asked him to wait outside a cabin while they discussed his signing.

“I sat there, buoyantly waiting for them to offer me an advance of at least 500 rupees. Can you guess the amount I received? No? Here it is—only 51 rupees! This is how it happened: Mr. Bihari emptied his pockets, and 17 rupees appeared. Mr. Thakkar followed suit, and together, they handed me a total of 51 rupees,” Dharmendra noted in an article titled ‘Mera Bachpan Aur Jawaani’, published in the Urdu film magazine Ruby in May 1977, as translated in Yasir Abbasi’s Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai: Urdu Memoirs of Cinema Legends.

Dharmendra expressed gratitude to his first director, Hingorani, particularly during his early days. Interestingly, this was also Hingorani’s first Hindi film; he had previously debuted with India’s first Sindhi film, Abana (1958), which introduced Sadhana Shivadasani, known later simply as Sadhana.

In the same article, Dharmendra mentioned that Hingorani provided him shelter and meals when he had hardly any money apart from that Rs 51. “Arjun saheb took me to a restaurant, informing me that I could eat there without paying, as he had credit arrangements. He instructed the manager: ‘Give this boy two slices of bread, butter—but no jam—and a cup of tea every day. If he eats more than this, charge him for the extra food.’”

The relationship between Dharmendra and Hingorani went well beyond their first film. Hingorani was well-known for his films often bearing three-word titles starting with the letter ‘K.’ Titles like Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan? (1970), Kahani Kismat Ki (1973), Khel Khilari Ka (1977), Katilon Ke Kaatil (1981), Karishma Kudrat Ka (1985), Kaun Kare Kurbanie (1991), and Kaise Kahoon Ke… Pyaar Hai (2003) all featured Dharmendra as the lead actor. Notably, Sultanat (1986) was the only exception. Some of these films included Dharmendra’s elder son, Sunny Deol, as a co-star.

Playback singer Jubin Nautiyal has expressed his sorrow over the passing of legendary actor Dharmendra, who left us on Monday.

Sharing an AI-generated image of the late star on his Instagram, Jubin paid tribute with heartfelt words. He wrote, “I was lucky to have crossed paths with him… lucky to have felt his warmth, his sincerity, his quiet strength. People like him don’t just leave memories, they leave blessings. My deepest condolences to the family. Rest peacefully, Dharmender ji. Your kindness will continue to live in every life you touched.”

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. The iconic actor had recently been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was discharged after showing signs of recovery. Reports indicate that he had been placed on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. He lived at his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, having moved there as a response to the increasing pollution in Mumbai. His death adds to the recent losses in Hindi cinema, following the passing of actors Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah, and advertising mogul Piyush Pandey last month.

Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra began his acting career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent hunt competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine and Bimal Roy Productions held a nationwide contest to find new talent for Hindi cinema. Dharmendra won this competition in 1958, chosen for his striking looks and natural charm, which opened doors for him in the film industry. This same talent search later identified Rajesh Khanna, another Bollywood legend.

Dharmendra’s rise to fame was swift, characterized by his charm, emotional depth, and compelling screen presence. His versatility allowed him to shine across various genres, excelling in romance, action, and comedy. Iconic films like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ established him as a leading man, while his role as the witty Veeru in ‘Sholay’ became legendary.

He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, recognizing his contributions to the film industry.

Bollywood superstar Dharmendra’s demise has plunged his fans and the nation into deep grief, leaving the film industry reeling from the heartbreaking news.

Tributes Pour In

Actress Kiara Advani expressed her sorrow on social media, sharing a heartfelt image of the legendary actor along with emoticons of a dove, a white heart, and folded hands.

A renowned filmmaker also took to social media to share his feelings, mourning the loss of the iconic actor. In an emotional tribute, he posted a black-and-white image of Dharmendra, stating, “It is an end of an ERA… a massive megastar… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence… he is and will always be a bona fide legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history… but mostly he was the best human being… He was so loved by everyone in our industry… He only had immense love and positivity for everyone… His blessings, his hug, and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe.”

He continued, “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry… a space that can never be filled by anyone… there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… We love you, kind sir… We will miss you so much… the heavens are blessed today… It will always be my blessing to have worked with you… And my heart says with respect, reverence, and love… Abhi Na jao chodke… Ke dil abhi bhara nahi… OM SHANTI.”

Final Farewell

For those unaware, Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. His death was confirmed on the afternoon of November 24 when an ambulance, surrounded by heavy security, was seen outside his Mumbai residence. The mortal remains of the stalwart actor were taken to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle shortly after his passing.

Numerous prominent figures from the film industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan, arrived at the crematorium to pay their last respects to the iconic actor. His wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol were also seen rushing to the crematorium.

Music composer Vishal Dadlani took to social media to honour the legacy of the legendary actor Dharmendra.

A Global Icon Remembered

Remembering him as a global icon who always stayed rooted, Dadlani noted how Dharmendra inspired generations with his generosity, warmth, and unwavering respect for talent. He offered his deepest condolences to the family and millions of fans mourning the beloved star. On his Instagram handle, Vishal shared a monochrome image of the Sholay actor alongside an emotional note.

Dadlani wrote, “There will never be another. A global icon who remained a true son of the soil, #Dharmendra ji’s warmth of spirit and his love and respect for talent and hard work will always inspire. Deepest condolences to his family and to his endless legion of fans.”

Tributes from the Film Industry

Tributes continue to pour in from across the film industry as celebrities remember the warmth, greatness, and legacy of Dharmendra. Social media has been flooded with heartfelt messages, with actors and filmmakers honouring the icon’s unmatched contributions to Indian cinema.

Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar, Kiara Advani, and many others have expressed their grief on social media, sharing emotional notes in memory of Dharmendra.

An excerpt from Karan Johar’s post read, “It is an end of an ERA… a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence… he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history… but mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry… he only had immense love and positivity for everyone… his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe….”

On November 24, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Zayed Khan, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur arrived at the Pawan Hans crematorium to bid a final farewell to Dharmendra.

Dharmendra passed away on Monday at the age of 89.

Bollywood ace designer Manish Malhotra has expressed profound grief over the passing of legendary actor Dharmendra.

Sharing a candid picture of himself with Dharmendra from the movie Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, Manish wrote, “RIP Legendary Dharamji … In this pic on the sets, looking at him in admiration… I’ve been a huge fan of his… I loved all his 70s films that I grew up watching… his performances… his comic timing… his songs… his clothes… his style and him being the most handsome macho hero.”

He added, “Kept meeting him on the sets of the film; he was so warm and loving … A huge loss to Indian cinema and someone whom you never ever wanted to see go… Dharamji love, respect and admiration forever,” accompanied by emoticons of folded hands and a pink heart.

Earlier in the day, producer Karan Johar also shared his sorrow regarding Dharmendra’s demise. Posting a monochrome image of the veteran actor, Karan wrote, “It is the end of an ERA… a massive megastar… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence… he is and will always be a bona fide legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history… but mostly he was the best human being… He was so loved by everyone in our industry…. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone… His blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe….”

He further added, “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry… a space that can never be filled by anyone… there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… We love you, kind sir…. We will miss you so much…. The heavens are blessed today…. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you…. And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi…… OM SHANTI.”

Dharmendra played an important role in Karan Johar’s upcoming movie Rocky Aur Rani, set to release in 2024. For those who may not know, Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89.

Following his passing, the actor’s mortal remains were taken to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. Many prominent figures from Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan, arrived at the crematorium to pay their final respects to the iconic Sholay actor.

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan expressed her condolences following Dharmendra’s passing, sharing a vintage photograph of the iconic actor alongside her late grandfather, Raj Kapoor.

Kareena took to her Instagram stories to pay tribute, sharing two black and white images. The first featured the two late legends in an affectionate embrace, which she captioned simply with a “red heart.”

The second image depicted a joyful moment with Dharmendra and Raj Kapoor greeting each other with broad smiles. Kareena captioned this image with the words: “Forever in power.”

Dharmendra, who passed away, will be seen posthumously in ‘Ikkis’, directed by the acclaimed Sriram Raghavan. He made his debut with the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and was most recently featured in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

Reflecting on Raj Kapoor’s legacy, he is hailed as one of the greatest and most influential figures in Indian cinema history, often referred to as The Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema, as well as the Charlie Chaplin of Indian Cinema. Inspired by Chaplin, he portrayed Tramp-like characters in classics such as Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker. His performance in Awaara has even been ranked among the top ten greatest performances in world cinema by Time magazine.

In other news, Kareena has been making headlines for reuniting with her family in the Netflix special “Dining with the Kapoors.” This hour-long program brings together cousins, siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and in-laws for an engaging and candid celebration of family ties. Directed by Smriti Mundhra and created by Armaan Jain, “Dining with the Kapoors” showcases the family’s cherished traditions.

One memorable moment from the special sees Kareena describing her family as “funny, loving, and united,” highlighting their common love for food. The luncheon was organized by Armaan Jain to commemorate what would have been Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary.

The visuals captured joyful interactions, from Ranbir Kapoor and Armaan enjoying jokes in the kitchen to lively conversations around the dining table. Kareena was playfully teased about her hearty appetite throughout the gathering.

Veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, along with superstars Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, arrived at the Pawan Hans crematorium to pay their last respects to actor Dharmendra, who passed away recently.

The trio was seen arriving in their cars, amidst substantial police presence. Other industry members, including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Zayed Khan, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, were also photographed at the venue, alongside the late actor’s family.

Dharmendra died at the age of 89. He had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was discharged after showing signs of recovery. Reports indicated that he was placed on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. The actor resided at his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, having relocated due to the increasing pollution levels in Mumbai. This loss marks yet another in Hindi cinema, following the recent passing of actors Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah, and advertising legend Piyush Pandey last month.

One of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars, Dharmendra was born in 1935 in Punjab. He started his career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent hunt competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, launched a nationwide talent contest to find new faces for Hindi cinema.

Dharmendra participated and won the competition in 1958, earning recognition for his striking looks and natural charm. This victory paved his way into the film industry, where he quickly rose to fame due to his emotional depth, charming presence, and versatility across genres. Some of his most iconic films include ‘Phool Aur Patthar,’ which established him as a leading man, and ‘Sholay,’ where he portrayed the lovable and witty character Veeru, cementing his legendary status.

In recognition of his contributions, Dharmendra was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.

Actress Kajol recently paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran star Dharmendra, expressing that his passing has left the world “poorer.”

On Instagram, Kajol shared a touching picture of Dharmendra sitting alongside her son, Yug. In the photo, Dharmendra can be seen smiling warmly with his arm around the young boy.

Kajol’s caption read: “The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always. RIP Dharamji …with love always.”

The two actors shared the screen in films like the 1995 release “Taaqat,” directed by Talat Jani, which also featured Shatrughan Sinha and Vikas Bhalla. The film depicted the story of two influential gangsters aligned with rival political parties.

They later appeared together in the 1998 film “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya,” written and directed by Sohail Khan. Starring Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan, with Kajol in the lead, the film follows Suraj, a young man in love with Muskan. He must win the approval of her possessive brother and uncle to pursue his love.

Dharmendra, who has sadly passed away, will be seen posthumously in ‘Ikkis,’ directed by Sriram Raghavan. The octogenarian made his debut in the 1960 film “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” and was most recently featured in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” and “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.”

Meanwhile, Kajol is set to appear next in “Sarzameen,” directed by Kayoze Irani. The film features Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, set against the backdrop of Kashmir. It tells the story of an Indian Army officer who finds out that his estranged son has joined a militant group.