Author: Ankita Singh

Filmmaker Karan Johar expressed profound sorrow while mourning the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, referring to it as “the end of an era.”

In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Johar honoured the unparalleled legacy of the veteran star. He remembered Dharmendra as an icon whose warmth, humility, and timeless performances have shaped generations of Indian cinema. Alongside a monochrome image of the illustrious actor, Karan Johar wrote, “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….”

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 passed away at the age of 89. His death was confirmed after a morning rife with intense speculation when an ambulance, accompanied by heavy security, was seen arriving at his residence.

The mortal remains of the legendary actor were taken to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle shortly after his passing. The ambulance carrying Dharmendra arrived with close family members walking alongside. Several prominent figures from the film fraternity, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan, were seen arriving at the crematorium to pay their final respects to the iconic actor.

Veteran actor Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89. The beloved star, who was previously admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, was discharged after showing signs of recovery. Tragically, he departed for his heavenly abode as condolences poured in from across the film industry.

Health Struggles and Last Rites

Reports indicated that the actor was put on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. As news of his passing spread throughout Bollywood, fellow actors paid their last respects. Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan were among those who visited the crematorium in Vile Parle. Karan Johar also shared his memories of the late actor on social media, while Dharmendra’s family gathered at the crematorium to mourn their loss.

A few weeks prior to his passing, Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, had reassured the media during his hospital stay that he was doing well. The actor had been living at his farmhouse in Khandala, having relocated there due to the worsening pollution levels in Mumbai.

A Luminary in Bollywood

Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most enduring icons. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he began his career in the early 1960s after being discovered in a talent hunt competition. The late 1950s saw Filmfare magazine partner with Bimal Roy Productions for a nationwide contest to find new talent for Hindi cinema. Dharmendra won this competition in 1958, recognized for his striking looks and natural charm, which opened doors to the film industry. This talent hunt would later discover Rajesh Khanna, one of Hindi cinema’s biggest superstars.

Rising to fame with his charming looks, emotional depth, and effortless screen presence, Dharmendra excelled in various genres, from romance to action and comedy. His iconic films include ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which established him as a leading man, and ‘Sholay’, where his portrayal of the witty Veeru became legendary.

His impeccable comic timing was showcased in ‘Chupke Chupke’, while action-packed dramas like ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’ solidified his image as the quintessential Bollywood hero. Dharmendra’s humility and charisma made him a cherished figure both on and off screen.

He was also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, honoring his contributions to Indian cinema.

Bollywood star Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89, leaving a significant void in the film industry. Actor Pulkit Samrat expressed his sorrow over the loss of the veteran actor, highlighting how Dharmendra “held up entire generations with his courage, charm, and goodness.”

Pulkit’s Tribute

Pulkit took to Instagram to share a monochrome photo of Dharmendra, writing, “There are actors… and then there are pillars!! Dharam ji held up entire generations with his courage, charm, and goodness!!” He referred to the immense impact Dharmendra had on cinema, stating, “Today, cinema loses a father figure! We grew up watching him punch villains, charm the world, and protect the ones he loved. But the real hero was always the man behind the legend!! Dharam ji, thank you for the goodness you carried so effortlessly. The industry feels emptier today. #RIP.”

Dharmendra’s Legacy

Dharmendra will be seen posthumously in ‘Ikkis’, directed by renowned filmmaker Sriram Raghavan. He made his acting debut with the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and rose to fame in the mid-1960s with iconic films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke.

Throughout the late 1960s to the 1980s, he starred in many successful Hindi films, including Ankhen, Shikar, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, and many others. In the late 1990s, he transitioned into character roles and continued to impress audiences in acclaimed films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a… Metro, and Yamla Pagla Deewana.

Dharmendra’s incredible contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, aged 89, has passed away.

Sources close to the family confirmed the news. The octogenarian had been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on November 12 and was reported to be in a stable condition, recovering well at home. Dr. Rajiv Sharma from the hospital noted at the time that the legendary star had left with “full satisfaction” after receiving the necessary treatment.

In his update on Dharmendra’s health, he stated, “Dharmendra ji has gone from the hospital with full satisfaction. His family has taken him home. Everything has been arranged for him.” He requested the public to refrain from spreading false news and instead pray for Dharmendra’s recovery so he could celebrate his next birthday with pride.

Earlier, on November 10, sources indicated that Dharmendra was critical and on life support when admitted to Breach Candy Hospital. He had been under the strict medical observation of top doctors since October 31.

The superstar was set to turn 90 on December 8. Professionally, Dharmendra was last seen in the movie “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,” released in 2024 alongside actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. He is expected to appear next in “Ikkis,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan. This war drama is based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, and features Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, along with Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in significant roles, with a release slated for December.

Dharmendra is regarded as one of the greatest, most handsome, and most commercially successful film stars in the history of Indian cinema. His career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 300 films. He held the record for the most hit films in Hindi cinema and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

The actor made his debut in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.” He first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films such as “Ayee Milan Ki Bela,” “Phool Aur Patthar,” and “Aaye Din Bahar Ke.” From the late-1960s to the 1980s, he starred in several successful Hindi films, including “Ankhen,” “Shikar,” “Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke,” “Jeevan Mrityu,” “Mera Gaon Mera Desh,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Raja Jani,” “Jugnu,” “Yaadon Ki Baaraat,” “Dost,” “Sholay,” “Pratiggya,” “Charas,” “Dharam Veer,” “Chacha Bhatija,” “Ghulami,” “Hukumat,” “Aag Hi Aag,” “Elaan-E-Jung,” “Tahalka,” “Anpadh,” “Bandini,” “Haqeeqat,” “Anupama,” “Mamta,” “Majhli Didi,” “Satyakam,” “Naya Zamana,” “Samadhi,” “Resham Ki Dori,” “Chupke Chupke,” “Dillagi,” “The Burning Train,” “Ghazab,” “Do Dishayen,” and “Hathyar.”

In the late 1990s, he took on character roles in several successful and acclaimed films, including “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya,” “Life in a… Metro,” “Apne,” “Johnny Gaddaar,” “Yamla Pagla Deewana,” “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” and “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.”

Actor-producer Ravie Dubey has shared his excitement about joining Ranbir Kapoor’s much-anticipated film “Ramayana.”

In an exclusive interview during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), he described being part of the movie as both a blessing and a lucky opportunity. “It feels like a blessing. I consider it my good fortune that I was given the opportunity to be part of this canvas film and to contribute to Ram Katha. It is a divine coincidence and a huge blessing. I am extremely happy and deeply grateful,” said Ravie, reflecting on his role in the project.

Ravie Dubey will portray the character of Laxman in this epic film. Previously, in July, he shared a glimpse of his character on social media, writing, “It’s the greatest honour of my life to be part of a story that has shaped generations. Welcome to the world of Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, the immortal story of Rama vs Ravana. Grateful to walk this path, and to share it with all of you. Let’s celebrate this moment and together, step into the @worldoframayana. Our Truth. Our History.”

In “Ramayana,” Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Rama, while Yash will be seen as Ravana. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Arun Govil, Kunal Kapoor, and many others.

Meanwhile, Ravie, along with his wife Sargun Mehta, has recently ventured into production after spending over a decade in the television industry. They are creating a diverse range of content under their banner, Dreamiyata Entertainment. Ravie mentioned that their projects like “Dil Ko Rafu Kar Le,” “Hale Dil,” “Tu Aashiqui Hai,” and “Lovely Lulla” are currently streaming on their platform. The season finales for these shows are set to be released today and tomorrow, followed by a new slate of series.

The makers of “Ikkis” unveiled a striking new poster featuring veteran actor Dharmendra.

The legendary actor, who recently recovered after spending 12 days in the hospital due to severe breathlessness, shared his first voice note on social media. The production team took to Instagram to reveal the new poster showcasing the ‘Sholay’ star, captioned: “Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another. #IkkisTrailerOutNow. Ikkis in cinemas worldwide on 25th December 2025.”

In this latest poster, Dharmendra voices Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, the father of Arun Khetarpal, paying tribute to the bravery of his late son. His poignant message states, “Yeh mera bada beta, Arun. Yeh humesha ikkis ka hi rahega.”

For those unfamiliar, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was instrumental in shaping his son Arun’s sense of duty. His inspiring tales of courage and patriotism greatly influenced Arun’s decision to join the Indian Army. In the film, Agastya Nanda portrays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his exceptional bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 after experiencing severe breathlessness. He was discharged on November 12 and has since returned home, where he is currently recovering under medical supervision.

Sunny Deol’s team issued a statement confirming that Dharmendra would continue his treatment at home, stating, “Mr. Dharmendra has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home. We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from any further speculation and to respect his and the family’s privacy during this time.”

Faridkot, the renowned indie duo comprising IP Singh and Rajarshi Sanyal, has unveiled their new EP titled “Nayi Baat,” featuring a captivating collection of five tracks.

A Journey of Musical Evolution

The latest EP reflects the duo’s evolving musical journey. With standout songs like “Harjai,” “Nayi Baat,” “Sawaari,” “Aza,” and “Jaadugari,” this release embraces a diverse soundscape, introducing listeners to fresh and experimental ideas. Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, the band expressed, “Nayi Baat, as the name suggests, is a culmination of a lot of new ideas.”

Exploring New Sounds

“The sonic range of the album is quite wide, and we have just had a lot of fun while making this EP. It’s like a short novel, with every song telling a part of the story. As a core philosophy of Faridkot, we always try to push ourselves to explore new sounds and new words. And that’s the spark that led to this EP as well.”

Authenticity in Storytelling

Reflecting on their beginnings, they noted, “We have always loved telling stories through our music and exploring various genres to express them. Once we decided on this thought, everything else became spontaneous. The ability and zeal to make music and tell stories was so consuming that we just kept at it.” This authenticity has been crucial in creating crowd favorites like “Jeda Nasha,” “Kaala Doriyaa,” and “Laila,” which gained popularity purely through listener love. The band affirmed, “The audience is very smart; they can sniff out if something isn’t authentic. So we just try to put out music that we fully connect with and believe in.”

Collaboration in the Creative Process

The duo elaborated, “The process of making music is more or less the same in both scenarios. However, the main difference is that we have to align ourselves with the vision of the director and producer. It’s a bigger collaboration, and you need to take everyone’s input into account while bringing in something original that you personally believe in.”

Faridkot has officially released its new five-track EP, along with the music video for the track “Harjai,” which is already available for fans to enjoy.

The title track of the Bengali film ‘Projapati 2’ was unveiled recently. Composed and sung by Jeet Gannguli, the song marks yet another powerful collaboration between Gannguli and actor Dev.

Music Video Highlights

The video features prominent actors including Dev, Mithun Chakraborty, Jyotirmoyee, and Anumegha. Its music elevates the film’s core mood, bringing forth a festive and celebratory ambiance that builds excitement for the upcoming release. Leading both composition and vocals, Jeet Gannguli delivers a familiar emotional resonance combined with a fresh rhythmic vibe.

Insights from the Creators

Jeet Gannguli shared, “The title track of ‘Projapati 2’ was created with a lot of joy and nostalgia. Dev and I share a long journey, and this song reflects our comfort and chemistry. I am happy to bring this sound to the audience again.”

Dev added, “The title track of ‘Projapati 2’ carries a vibe that instantly lifts your mood. Working with Jeet always feels effortless because we understand each other’s rhythm. This song represents our journey and the energy of the film.”

Industry Perspectives

Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music, expressed, “Projapati 2 has strong appeal, and the title track captures its spirit perfectly. Jeet Gannguli has delivered a catchy and memorable song, and we are excited for listeners to experience it.”

The title track of ‘Projapati 2’ is now available across streaming platforms and on the Times Music Bangla YouTube channel.

Upcoming Projects

In other news, Mithun Chakraborty was recently seen in ‘The Bengal Files’. This film focuses on Direct Action Day, which occurred on August 16, 1946, detailing one of the darkest chapters in India’s history when brutal killings followed riots in Kolkata. These riots triggered a series of communal tensions across regions including Noakhali, Bihar, and Punjab.

Chakraborty also has ‘Fauji’ and ‘Jailer 2’ lined up for release.

Actress Kubbra Sait is gearing up for an exciting 12-day rafting expedition on the Brahmaputra river, describing it as a “mad experience.”

The inspiration for this adventure began when she first rafted on the Kali River near Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. Kubbra shared, “It has been on my bucket list ever since. This is going to be a mad experience.”

Last year, she achieved the remarkable feat of scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. For her upcoming trip, Kubbra will arrive in Dibrugarh, Assam, before setting off with her expedition group.

Embracing Challenges

Discussing her greatest challenge, she highlighted the rewards that come from stepping out of her comfort zone and facing nature directly. She expressed, “Facing real fears in such expeditions makes my career challenges feel smaller. Once you have survived nature’s tests, the fear of projects not working out or acceptance doesn’t scare you anymore. It’s a hard reset—no luxuries, just focus and grounding.”

Philosophy on the River

Kubbra also reflected on the lessons learned while rafting on the Ganga. She said, “I finally understood what ‘go with the flow’ truly means. The river doesn’t stop for anyone. When you’re without a phone and surrounded by nature, silence becomes part of the experience. On long expeditions, there is no reception and no distractions. Your bond with nature deepens.”

Looking Back

Reflecting on her year, Kubbra noted that it began with her Mahakumbh journey alongside her girl gang.

Upcoming Projects

On the film front, the actress is preparing for the release of David Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and Prakash Jha’s Laal Batti.

Kubbra has starred in films such as Ready, Sultan, Gully Boy, Deva, and Son of Sardaar 2. Her television work includes TVF Tripling, RejctX, The Verdict – State vs Nanavati, Farzi, Shehar Lakhot, and The Trial. She gained widespread recognition for her captivating role as Kukoo in the first season of the Netflix series Sacred Games and as Phara Keaen in the show Foundation.

On Salim Khan’s birthday, Bina Kak shared a touching tribute that highlighted the warmth and unity of the Khan family.

Celebrating a Strong Family

Bina applauded Salma Khan for raising an “amazing family” and acknowledged Helen’s graceful presence as another life partner. She praised the strong bonds that Salim Khan has fostered over the years.

Taking to Instagram, Bina shared a candid picture with Salim Khan, where the veteran writer rested his hands on her shoulders as they smiled for the camera.

In her post, the ‘Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya’ actress wrote, “A very happy birthday to the legend of man ..jinka koi saani nahi Salim Khan ..A Man apart from what all he did as his profession, most important that he and Salma raised a most amazing family ..with Helen as another life partner..Hat off to you and Jiyo.!!!!”

Bonding with the Khans

Bina Kak has maintained a warm and trusted relationship with the Khan family. Although she is close to many in the industry, her bond with Salman Khan has always been special. Known for their sister-like connection, Bina considers herself Salman’s rakhi sister. Their friendship has extended to the silver screen, with notable collaborations in films like “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya” and “God Tussi Great Ho,” where she played his mother.

Earlier on Raksha Bandhan, Bina shared a series of pictures with Salman, celebrating their sibling-like bond. Accompanying the images, she penned a heartfelt note expressing her love and gratitude.

“Since I am recovering from a broken ankle I will miss you on Rakhi day my dear Salman my brother like son …I pray for your happiness, long, healthy, and a peaceful life ahead. Lots of love and blessings always dear Salman @beingsalmankhan,” wrote the veteran actress.