New Delhi – India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bollywood legend Dharmendra, describing his demise as the closing of a defining chapter in Indian cinema. In a tribute posted on social media, Mr. Modi wrote:
The Prime Minister’s words underscore Dharmendra’s towering presence in Hindi film for more than six decades and his connection with audiences across generations. His striking versatility—from action hero to sensitive leading man to veteran character actor—won him enduring affection and respect. Mr. Modi emphasised not only the actor’s screen achievements, but also his off-screen persona: the humility, warmth and affability that made him beloved beyond the movies.
Mr. Modi’s tribute comes amid an outpouring of grief from the film industry, his contemporaries and fans nationwide. Dharmendra, often affectionately referred to as “He-Man” of Bollywood, passed away at the age of 89. Reports indicate that his family will arrange for public homage and his last rites are expected to follow later this week.
In highlighting the actor’s “diverse roles” and his ability to “strike a chord” with audiences, the Prime Minister implicitly acknowledged Dharmendra’s journey—from his debut to iconic roles in classics such as “Sholay” and “Chupke Chupke”, to his later contributions in mature character roles. His legacy, as Mr. Modi noted, stands not only in his filmography but in the hearts of “innumerable fans”.
By invoking Dharmendra’s “simplicity, humility and warmth”, the Prime Minister gave voice to a sentiment widely shared across social media and film circles: that Dharmendra exemplified an approachable star, grounded in humanity even as his fame soared. The choice of “Om Shanti” at the end of the message — a traditional invocation for peace — reflects the cultural resonance of the moment and the actor’s wider place in Indian popular memory.
Mr. Modi’s message also served as a unifying moment: in the actor’s passing, he addressed not just the film fraternity, but the country at large—tying Dharmendra’s personal and professional qualities to a broader national sentiment of loss and respect. His words may spur further formal recognitions of the actor’s contributions, as public and industry memorials take shape in coming days.
For Dharmendra’s family—his wife, children and grandchildren—such a tribute from the Prime Minister adds a national dimension to their personal grief, elevating the mourning to a collective farewell. Fans across India, having shared his cinematic journey, now find in Mr. Modi’s message an echo of their own tribute and sorrow.
As tributes continue to flow in from co-stars, filmmakers and fans, the Prime Minister’s message stands as a formal acknowledgment of Dharmendra’s place in Indian cinema history: a luminous star whose departure truly marks “the end of an era in Indian cinema.”