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.