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.