Category: Entertainment

Actress Sushmita Sen fondly remembered the legendary actor Dharmendra, celebrating not only his iconic film career but also his remarkable humanity.

She reflected on the warmth, generosity, and joy he brought into the lives of those around him. The ‘Biwi No 1’ actress described the veteran star as a true blessing and an unforgettable presence both on and off screen. Sushmita shared a blurry image of herself with Dharmendra on her Instagram, where their radiant smiles could be seen. Alongside the photo, she wrote, “A legend yes, but what an incredible human being!!! He touched lives like a blessing. His hugs, laughter, kindness & immense goodness… all so contagious & life-affirming!!! The sheer joy on my face in the pictures with him tells you the energy he embodied… and shared with such generosity.”

She continued, “There are few who leave the world more beautiful than the way they found it… I feel so grateful that I got to witness that grace through you, Dharam ji. I love you Sir @aapkadharam. Rest in peace. ‘A father’s love & A king’s compassion.’ #respect. My deepest condolences to the entire family. #duggadugga.”

Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to breathing difficulties but was discharged after showing signs of recovery, returning to his Juhu residence. Despite medical intervention, the veteran actor sadly passed away on Monday.

News of his demise sent ripples through Bollywood, with stars like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Abhishek Bachchan visiting the crematorium in Vile Parle to pay their final respects.

Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra was one of the most enduring and beloved figures in Indian cinema. He began his career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a nationwide talent hunt. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.

Actor Sanjay Dutt fondly reflected on the legacy of legendary actor Dharmendra, celebrating the indelible mark he left on Indian cinema.

Memorable Tributes

Sharing memories of Dharmendra’s warmth, generosity, and remarkable journey, Dutt highlighted the enduring influence of the veteran superstar on the film industry. Taking to his X handle, the ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S’ actor shared some throwback images of the iconic star and paid his tribute. Sanjay wrote, “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…”

Dutt’s sister, Priya Dutt, also honored Dharmendra with a heartfelt message. She shared a rare image of Dharmendra lovingly hugging her late father, Sunil Dutt. For the caption, she wrote, “The He-Man of Indian cinema is no more. Dharmendra ji’s departure leaves a void that Indian cinema can never fill. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to the family in this moment of immense loss. Om Shant.”

Bollywood Mourns

The entire Bollywood industry mourned the loss of the legendary actor. Filmmaker Karan Johar, designer Manish Malhotra, comeddigihunt Kapil Sharma, and actors Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, Farhan Akhtar, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, and many others took to social media to express their heartfelt tributes to the superstar.

Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning at the age of 89, just weeks before what would have been his 90th birthday on December 8.

Health Journey

Earlier, on November 12, he was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai and was reported to be in stable condition, recovering well at home. At that time, Dr. Rajiv Sharma confirmed that the veteran actor had returned home “fully satisfied” after completing the necessary treatment.

The actor had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 under strict medical supervision. Sources revealed on November 10 that Dharmendra’s condition had become critical, and he was placed on life support.

Rajasthan’s Bikaner has lost a beloved figure in Dharmendra, a former MP whose emotional bond with the city often overshadowed any political missteps.

At the age of 89, Dharmendra passed away, leaving behind a legacy marked by charm and humility. Even in the realm of politics, he was known for his affection and genuine desire to serve the community.

Significant Contributions

Though his time as a parliamentarian in Bikaner was brief, Dharmendra made a remarkable impact by advocating for the long-neglected Sursagar project. Concerned about the lake’s state during his election campaign, he took personal initiative, addressing the issue with then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and later engaging with union ministers in Delhi to secure additional funding. Residents still remember his efforts with heartfelt gratitude, as he allocated funds from his MP quota to ensure progress.

A Gracious Campaign

Dharmendra’s election campaign in 2004 was notable for its civility. In a tough contest against Congress candidate Rameshwar Dudi, he refused to launch personal attacks, often referring to Dudi as his “younger brother.” This display of respect set a rare example of decency in politics, with Dudi mirroring this cordiality by avoiding personal criticism. Their mutual respect made the election one of the most amicable contests in the region.

Star Power in Action

When the competition heated up, Dharmendra brought along his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, to rally support in Bikaner, drawing large crowds. This surge in popularity was pivotal in securing his victory with a remarkable margin of 57,000 votes, largely due to his overwhelming support in Bikaner city. Even during his tenure, he displayed generosity with his development funds, consistently approving financial aid for local societies, institutions, and community projects.

Enduring Legacy

Across Bikaner, boards featuring his name stand as reminders of the projects completed during his tenure, many of which were approved based on recommendations from party colleagues Satyaprakash Acharya and Kamal Vyas. His unique relationships within the party also highlighted his warm public persona. Dharmendra often playfully referred to his election in-charge, Manikchand Surana, as “coat-wearing Netaji,” a nickname stemming from affection rather than conflict. Despite occasional disagreements, he always acknowledged Surana’s dedication and meticulous planning.

Cherished Memories

For the people of Bikaner, Dharmendra will be remembered not for any controversies but for the warmth he brought, the development he championed, and the affection he showed to both supporters and rivals alike. His unconventional political journey has cemented his bond with the city, which remains deeply cherished.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bollywood superstar Dharmendra, describing his demise as “an irreparable loss for the Indian art world.”

Rahul Gandhi shared his heartfelt sentiments on X, stating, “The news of the demise of the great actor Dharmendra ji is extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the Indian art world. His unparalleled contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love.” He added, “I offer my heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with his bereaved family, friends, and fans.”

Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal also conveyed his profound grief following the veteran actor’s death. He remarked, “The nation has lost a true legend of cinema. I join crores of fans in mourning the loss of stalwart actor Dharmendra. His performances spanning 7 decades left a huge impact on Indian cinema and culture. My condolences to his family and fans in this difficult time.”

Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was discharged after showing signs of recovery. Reports indicated he had been placed on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. The actor resided at his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, having moved there due to worsening pollution levels in Mumbai.

This incident marks yet another loss for the Hindi cinema community, with actors Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah, and advertising legend Piyush Pandey having passed away in the previous month.

Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra emerged as one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars, beginning his career in the early 1960s after being discovered during a talent hunt competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, organized a nationwide talent contest to find new faces for Hindi cinema.

Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed deep grief over the passing of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who died earlier today at a Mumbai hospital at the age of 89.

Condolences from Political Leaders

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to X to mourn the loss of the Bollywood star. He stated, “Deeply anguished by the demise of legendary Hindi film actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. He brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and countless admirers.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Dharmendra’s passing as an “irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world.” He emphasized that the actor touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades with his finest acting. “Coming from an ordinary family, he carved an indelible identity for himself in the film industry. Dharmendra ji was one of those rare actors who brought every character he touched to life, and through this very art, he won the hearts of millions of viewers across all age groups. Through his acting, he will forever remain among us. May God grant a place at His sacred feet to the noble soul and bestow strength upon his family and admirers,” Shah added.

Union Minister J.P. Nadda echoed similar sentiments, stating on social media that Dharmendra left an “indelible mark on the hearts of cinema lovers.” He remarked, “With his simplicity and vibrant performances, he has ruled the hearts of art lovers in the country and the world for decades. In this difficult time, my deepest condolences are with the grieving family and his fans. I pray to God that the departed soul finds a place at His divine feet and grants strength to the bereaved family to bear this sorrow.”

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also shared his respect for the legend on X, saying, “The world of cinema will always cherish the legacy of Dharmendra Ji. Through timeless characters like the brave hero of ‘Sholay’ and the soulful poet of Satyakam, he gave us stories of valour and compassion. His ‘Yaadon ki Baaraat’ will echo through eternity.”

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his sadness, calling the loss “extremely heartbreaking.” He referred to Dharmendra as “a great actor of Indian cinema and the beloved artist of all,” adding, “With his extraordinary talent, simplicity, and lively acting, he carved an indelible place in the hearts of millions of viewers. His departure marks the end of a golden era in the Indian film world. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to his family and fans to bear this sorrow.”

Union MoS Jitendra Singh also shared his condolences. He reflected, “Known for his down-to-earth image, embodying the rich flavour and fragrance of Punjab, the handsome versatile actor whom we grew up watching… will be missed for long… especially whenever there is a replay of a celluloid magic like ‘Devar’ or ‘Anupama’ or ‘Bandini’ or ‘Sholay’. My heart goes out to our highly revered colleague in the Lok Sabha, Hema Malini ji, Sunny Deol ji, who shares a warm personal rapport and has also been MP from the neighbouring Gurdaspur, as well as the entire Deol family.”

Earlier, Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai and was discharged after showing signs of recovery. He was reportedly put on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. The actor resided at his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, having moved there due to worsening pollution levels in Mumbai.

This marks another loss in Hindi cinema, which has experienced several recent passings, including actors Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah, and advertising legend Piyush Pandey last month.

Several political leaders, including the Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Bihar, have expressed deep condolences over the passing of Bollywood veteran Dharmendra. They described his demise as an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry, emphasizing that his immense contributions to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared his sorrow on social media, stating, “I received the extremely sad news of the passing of renowned Indian actor Shri Dharmendra ji. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry. All will always remember his smile and his unforgettable character. I pray to God to grant peace to his departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and countless fans to bear this immense loss.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed her grief, posting, “Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary actor-hero Dharmendra ji today in Mumbai. His immense contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fraternity, fans, and followers. Hema Malini ji, his sons and daughters will carry his rich legacy now. May his soul rest in peace.”

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated, “The passing of popular film actor Dharmendra is tragic. This is an irreparable loss to the art and film industry. We pray to God to grant peace to his departed soul. We offer our humble tributes.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his sadness, writing, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dharmendra ji. A legendary actor, he touched the hearts of millions with his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and countless admirers.”

BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan honored him with an emotional tribute, stating, “Veteran actor Shri Dharmendra Deol, whom the entire nation affectionately cherished as He-Man and Dharam Paji, passed away today at the age of 89. The passing of this great pillar of Indian cinema is an irreparable loss to the film industry. His illustrious journey, spanning over six decades, touched the hearts of millions and elevated Hindi cinema to new heights. His passing is also deeply saddening for me personally. He treated me like family and fondly called me Biba Munda. His memories, his affection, and his personality will always inspire. Heartfelt tribute.”

NCP leader Supriya Sule shared her condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor Dharmendra. A true legend whose warmth, simplicity, and remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to Hema ji, the Deol family, his friends, and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray penned a tribute, noting, “Veteran actor Dharmendra ji passed away. In Indian cinema, it is often said that a ‘superstar’ has a period of storm and a period of decline. But Dharmendra ji is an exception. He delivered multiple superhit films, yet the title of superstar never overwhelmed him, nor did he allow it to. In the 1960s, a handsome young man named Dharmendra, with a strong physique, charming smile, and natural masculinity—but without any arrogance—appeared on the screen, and for several decades he ruled Hindi cinema.”

He added, “How many people are fortunate enough to work with a director like Bimal Roy at the beginning of their career? Later, many great directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Chetan Anand, Ramesh Sippy, Raj Khosla, and Manmohan Desai believed Dharmendra should be their hero, which reflected his immense potential. In the complex world of cinema, he remained a straightforward man, which is why the common man always embraced him as their hero. Humble tributes to his memory from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.”

NCP leader Ajit Pawar shared a heartfelt statement, saying, “The demise of veteran Hindi film actor Dharmendra has brought an end to a glorious era in Indian cinema, and the ‘He-Man’ of acting has passed away. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. Dharmendra’s acting was characterised by naturalness, simplicity, and emotional power. His roles in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, Satyakam, and Dillagi remain alive in the minds of audiences. Especially his role as Veeru in Sholay is immortal. His film journey symbolises hard work, dedication, and selfless love for cinema. He gave pure joy to generations of viewers. His passing is a great loss to the Hindi film industry. He won the Filmfare Award eight times in his distinguished career and was known as the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema due to his handsome personality and powerful acting. I pray that his family and fans find the strength to bear this loss.”

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed his condolences on social media, saying, “The legendary film actor Dharmendra is no more. My heartfelt condolences. It is a matter of great pride that he came to Mumbai from a humble background and left an indelible mark with his acting for 60 years. He played all kinds of roles, but I found his portrayals of a poet and writer in Bandini and Anupama particularly impressive. I also met other members of his family, and he was a respected Member of Parliament. My condolences and humble tribute.”

BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia mourned his passing, stating, “The news of the demise of Dharmendra ji, a veteran actor of Indian cinema and Lok Sabha MP from Bikaner, is extremely sad. With his remarkable talent, simplicity, and dedication, Dharmendra not only brought characters to life on screen but also left an indelible mark on millions of hearts. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry, but his personality, warmth, and vibrant style will remain immortal. My deepest condolences to his family, fans, and the entire film industry in this hour of grief.”

Director-choreographer Farah Khan expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of the legendary actor Dharmendra, who sadly passed away.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on her Instagram Stories, Farah posted a nostalgic picture alongside Dharmendra and wrote, “May god bless your soul Dharamji have given us so much happiness down the years with your performances n ur personality! Condolences to the Deol family.”

Dharmendra had previously been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was discharged after showing signs of recovery. He continued his recuperation at his Juhu residence. Reports indicated that he had been placed on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties before his passing.

As news of his demise spread throughout the Bollywood community, many industry figures came to pay their respects. Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan were seen at the crematorium in Vile Parle. Karan Johar also remembered the late star in a touching social media post, while Dharmendra’s family gathered at the crematorium.

Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars. He began his cinematic journey in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent hunt organized by Filmfare magazine and Bimal Roy Productions to find new faces for Hindi cinema. Winning this competition in 1958, thanks to his striking looks and natural charm, opened the doors for his film career, which later discovered other superstars like Rajesh Khanna.

Dharmendra swiftly gained fame due to his charming demeanor, emotional range, and effortless screen presence. His versatility allowed him to thrive in various genres, including romance, action, and comedy. Some of his most iconic films include ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which solidified his status as a leading man, and ‘Sholay’, where his portrayal of the witty Veeru became legendary.

Among his accolades, Dharmendra was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra, stating that the country has lost a remarkable human being and an era has come to an end.

Reflecting on his memories, Gadkari shared, “I have many memories with him. I share a good relationship with his sons, and our family also has a connection with Hema Malini. He was someone who always helped others. The ‘postman spirit,’ as we describe it, truly defined his life. With his passing, we have lost a very good human being.”

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also mourned Dharmendra’s death, saying, “The passing of Dharmendra is deeply saddening for the country. We have lost a legend. I knew him personally, and with his demise, an era has truly ended.”

Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89, had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was discharged after showing signs of recovery. Sadly, he left for his heavenly abode as condolences poured in from across the industry. Reports indicated that he had been placed on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. As the heartbreaking news spread through Bollywood circles, many members of the fraternity came to pay their last respects. Notably, Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan were seen at the crematorium in Vile Parle. Karan Johar also paid tribute to the late actor on social media, while Dharmendra’s family was present at the cremation.

A few weeks prior, his wife Hema Malini had reassured the media about his health during an earlier hospital visit, stating he was alright. The actor had been living in Khandala, having relocated from Mumbai due to the deteriorating pollution levels.

Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra emerged as one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars. He began his career in the early 1960s, having been discovered through a talent hunt competition organized by Filmfare magazine in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions. In 1958, he won the competition, recognized for his striking looks and natural charm, which opened doors to the film industry.

Following this victory, he rapidly gained fame, celebrated for his versatile performances in romance, action, and comedy. Iconic films such as ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ established him as a leading man, while his role as the witty Veeru in ‘Sholay’ became legendary. His exceptional comic timing was showcased in ‘Chupke Chupke’, while action-packed dramas like ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’ solidified his status as the quintessential Bollywood hero.

Beyond his cinematic achievements, Dharmendra’s humility and charisma made him a cherished figure on and off the screen. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.

Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi arrived at the crematorium on Monday afternoon to pay her last respects to the late superstar Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24.

The actress was seen stepping out of her car and walking toward the entrance of the crematorium. Shabana had worked with the late superstar in the 2024 release “Rocky Aur Rani,” where they portrayed onscreen lovers. The film featured a memorable kissing scene that created a buzz online.

A star-studded gathering paid tribute to Dharmendra, with megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan all arriving at the Pawan Hans crematorium to offer their condolences. The actresses were seen arriving in their cars amidst heavy police presence.

Additionally, actors Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur were spotted at the location. Dharmendra’s wife, superstar Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol rushed to the crematorium, appearing visibly shaken. For those unaware, Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. Earlier in mid-November, he had been hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai and had just been discharged after showing signs of recovery.

At the time of his hospitalization, he was reportedly on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. Dharmendra was known as one of Bollywood’s most charming and beloved stars.

Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra Singh Deol began his illustrious career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent hunt competition. The actor was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.

He is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and their four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeta Deol, and Vijayta Deol. His second wife, Hema Malini, and their two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, also mourn his loss.

Actress Hema Malini and her daughter Esha Deol were seen with folded hands outside the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai, following the cremation of Dharmendra.

Star-studded Farewell

The prominent figures from the Bollywood industry gathered at the crematorium to pay their last respects. Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was later discharged as he showed signs of recovery. Unfortunately, he passed away on Monday after battling breathing difficulties, during which he was reportedly on a ventilator.

As the news of his demise circulated in Bollywood circles, many of his colleagues paid tribute. Notable stars like Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan attended the cremation, while multi-hyphenate Karan Johar shared his memories of the late actor on social media. Dharmendra’s family was also present to honor him.

A Lasting Legacy

Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra began his cinematic journey in the early 1960s after winning a nationwide talent contest organized by Filmfare magazine and Bimal Roy Productions. In 1958, he was selected for his striking looks and natural charm, paving his way into Bollywood. This same contest later discovered Rajesh Khanna, one of the biggest superstars in Hindi cinema.

Steadily, Dharmendra rose to fame with his appealing looks and versatile acting, excelling in romance, action, and comedy. His iconic films include ‘Phool Aur Patthar,’ which solidified his status as a leading man, and ‘Sholay,’ where his portrayal of the lovable Veeru became legendary.

In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor in India.