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.