New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Celebrities, from Rajinikanth and Mohanlal to Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn, on Monday paid rich tributes to veteran star Dharmendra, calling him a “bonafide legend”, “an inspiration for generations” and the “original He-Man”.
Dharmendra, the showbiz legend with a 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from “Satyakam’ to “Sholay”, died at the age of 89.
Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, his co-star in many films including “Anupama” and “Chupke Chupke”, said Dharmendra was just different.
“He never forgot his roots and he would talk about it openly. He was, as they say, a man of the earth and he remained very close to his real self… I didn’t see any change in him with stardom and popularity,” Tagore told PTI. Banu, who also worked with Dharmendra on several movies including “Aayee Milan Ki Bela”, “Jwaar Bhaata” and “Resham Ki Dori”, said she spoke to the actor earlier this month and he told her not to worry and he will come and visit her soon. “It’s the saddest day because he is family. I’m shocked. I thought we will celebrate his birthday,” Banu told PTI. “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,” Rajinikanth, who worked with Dharmendra in movies such as “Insaaf Kaun Karega” and “Farishtay”, said in a post on X.
Actor Kamal Haasan said he was deeply saddened by the passing of his friend.
“Dharam Ji’s charm, humility and strength of spirit were as real off-screen as on it. Indian cinema has lost one of its kindest icons. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers,” Haasan wrote on X.
Mohanlal said, “The passing of Dharmendraji marks the end of a cinematic era. A legend whose warmth and artistry will live on forever. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.” Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha also condoled the demise of his “first hero” in the film industry.
“Heart broken, pained & deeply saddened by the passing away of our dearest family friend, our elder brother, people’s hero, @aapkadharm. Most loved, son of the soil, pride of Punjab /Maharashtra a ‘Bharat Ratna’ in true sense, down to earth, kind & a humble human being. He will be remembered forever for his great contributions to the film industry/ cinema,” Sinha said in a post on X.
“A personality in totality an era of ‘He Man/Star’ has gone. My first ‘Hero’ & People’s Hero’ in the film industry is no more. It is an irreparable & irreplaceable loss to all of us & the entire film industry. Strength to the family, friends, well wishers & fans in these traumatic times. Shanti,” he added.
Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who worked with Sunny Deol in the beginning of her career “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy”, said Dharmendra’s death felt like a personal loss.
“… I know I share that feeling with many others in the world. Some people leave behind films, some leave behind feelings. He has left us with both. His presence was magnetic. He filled up a frame with his smile and charisma like only he could.” Akshay shared a photo of the late cinema star, saying Dharmendra will continue to live on through his movies.
“Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be… our industry’s original He-Man, thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live through your movies and the love you spread. Om shanti,” he wrote on X.
Ajay remembered Dharmendra for his “warmth, generosity and presence”.
Filmmaker Karan Johar, who worked with Dharmendra in his 2023 directorial “Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”, posted a long note on Instagram.
“It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history … but mostly he was the best human being.” Allu Arjun uploaded a photo of the late actor on his Instagram story and wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear the passing of legendary actor #Dharmendra ji. A legend who touched millions of hearts. My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans.” Chiranjeevi said Dharmendra was not only a “legendary actor but also a remarkable human being”.
“The humility and warmth I experienced every time I met him deeply touched my heart. I will forever cherish the fond memories and personal moments I shared with him,” he said.
Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a series of pictures on her Instagram handle and captioned them, “Forever in power.” Madhuri Dixit called the actor an “icon who defined grace, strength, and humility.” Manoj Bajpayee said Dharmendra was his parents’ favourite and one of his childhood heroes.
“He had a warmth you felt even before he spoke. His dignity, his humour, and the way he carried himself on and off screen left a deep mark on everyone who met him or watched him. Losing him feels personal. His films, his love for people, and the gentle strength he stood for will stay with us,” he posted on Instagram.
Sanjay Dutt said Dharmendra was that rare actor who used to live in people’s hearts.
“It’s a void that can’t be described. My thoughts are with Sunny, Bobby, and the entire family,” he added.
Anil Kapoor said Dharmendra was the “OG Punjabi” who was as “keenly emotional as he was mischievous, larger than life but also relatably human”.
“Even as he moved on from this world, he left us with the strength to carry on. Indian cinema will never be the same, but it will stay strong as if to pay tribute to his life and journey… Here’s to you Dharamji. You were, and always will be, a class act.” Farhan Akhtar sent his condolences to the Deol family and said Dharmendra will “forever remain irreplaceable”.
“A big, big loss to the entire film world… Thank you for six decades of entertainment. We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen,” he said. Kajol shared a picture of her son Yug alongside the late actor.
“The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always . RIP Dharamji .. with love always,” she wrote.
Veteran actor Farida Jalal said Dharmendra considered her like a younger sister and it feels like she has lost a family member.
“I’m feeling so depressed because he was such a darling man. (He) always placed his hand on my head whenever he met me. I was a young girl when he did the first film. It was a film in which he was opposite Meena Ji, who played my mother.
“I’ve never had a father figure in my life. It’s a big loss. I met him all these days. I didn’t even go to see him… I wish I had just gone and seen him,” Jalal told PTI.
Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee said, “Rest in peace thank you for all the magic you brought to the big screens.” Others who posted tributes on social media included actors Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Bhumi Pednekar, Rajkummar Rao, Rashmika Mandanna and Siddhant Chaturvedi. PTI KKP SSG ATR SMR RB BK BK KVK KVK
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