Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal recently paid tribute to the late Dharmendra by sharing a monochromatic throwback picture of the legendary actor on his Instagram Stories. He captioned the image, “Deeply saddened by this tragic news. You will always continue to be in our hearts.”
Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth also expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. My deepest condolences to his family.”
Actor Arjun Kapoor shared a personal anecdote, revealing that his grandmother worked alongside Dharmendra in the film Farishtey. Along with throwback images, he reflected, “I had the pleasure as a child to experience his impish charm and magic, drawing the crowd waiting to watch him in action. End of an era. We have lost the He-Man of Bollywood, but his warmth, grace & legacy will live on forever. Thank you for touching generations with your art and your spirit, Dharam ji. You will be missed.”
Actress Kriti Kharbanda also shared a heartfelt throwback picture featuring herself and Dharmendra, writing, “Heart so heavy. Mind so numb. Rest in peace HE-MAN.”
Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most enduring and cherished stars. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he began his career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a nationwide talent hunt conducted by Filmfare magazine in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions. Entering the contest in the late 1950s, he emerged as the winner in 1958, recognized for his striking looks and natural charisma. This achievement paved his way into the film industry.
That same talent search later identified Rajesh Khanna, who became one of Hindi cinema’s greatest superstars. Dharmendra swiftly garnered fame with his charming looks, emotional depth, and effortless screen presence. His versatility enabled him to excel across romance, action, and comedy genres. Some of his most legendary films include Phool Aur Patthar, which established him as a leading man, and Sholay, where he captured audiences as the beloved, witty character Veeru. Recognized for his contributions to cinema, Dharmendra was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.