Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has paid tribute to the late actor Dharmendra after his passing.
The superstar shared a heartfelt throwback image with Dharmendra on his X account, formerly Twitter. He expressed, “Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me… thank u for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers world over.”
Shah Rukh further added, “You are immortal, and your soul will live through your films and your beautiful family forever. Love you always.”
Dharmendra’s Legacy
Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he began his career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent hunt competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in partnership with Bimal Roy Productions, organized a nationwide contest to find fresh faces for Hindi cinema. Dharmendra participated and won in 1958, noticed for his striking looks and natural charm. This achievement paved the way for his entry into the film industry.
The same talent hunt later discovered Rajesh Khanna, who would become one of Hindi cinema’s greatest superstars. Dharmendra quickly rose to fame with his charming looks, emotional depth, and effortless on-screen presence. His versatility allowed him to excel in romance, action, and comedy. Some of his most iconic films include ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which established him as a leading man, and ‘Sholay’, where his portrayal of the lovable, witty Veeru became legendary. Dharmendra was also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.