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 star who wrote himself into showbiz legend in a 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from “Satyakam’ to “Sholay”, died at the age of 89.
“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.
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.” 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”.
“The industry has lost a legend… and we’ve lost someone who has shaped the very soul of our cinema. Rest in peace Dharam ji, Om Shanti,” he added.
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… he was so loved by everyone in our industry,” the director wrote.
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 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.” “Dharam ji, your loss leaves a void that can never be filled. Your legacy goes beyond the screen, it lives in the love and admiration of millions… Your remarkable body of work, your humility, and your ever-endearing spirit have left an indelible mark on this industry.” Manoj Bajpayee said Dharmendra was his parents “favourite and one of my 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 ,” he added.
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. Priyanka Chopra Jonas penned a long note, saying, “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. This is a big loss for cinema, but his legacy is permanent.” 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.
Raveena Tandon called Dharmendra a “man with the golden heart. “Handsomest man on the silver screen,” she wrote.
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.
Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, enjoyed a remarkable six-decade career, featuring in over 300 films and headlining classics such as “Sholay”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Satyakam, “Anupama”, “Seeta Aur Geeta” and many others. He was widely celebrated for his versatility across action, romance and comedy.
Dharmendra is survived by his wife Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha and Ahana. PTI ATR SMR RB RB RB
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