Dharmendra, popularly referred to as He-Man by Bollywood fans, has passed away at the age of 89. The actor was grappling with age-related diseases, and at the beginning of this month, he was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai over a period of more than 10 days.
But he was carried back to his Juhu bungalow, where he had been undergoing treatment till his last days. The well-wishers of the industry and family members of Dharmendra have begun coming to his house to offer him their last farewells. He leaves behind him his first wife, Prakash kaur and their four kids, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, Aajita Deol and second wife, Hema Malini and their daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Security was also intensified around the residence of veteran actor Dharmendra on Monday and an ambulance was visible there. The actor has been released on home treatment following his release from Breach Candy hospital earlier this month.
A lot of the big names in the industry were also seen in Dharmendra at the hospital when it was reported that his health was serious. Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were among the people who arrived to visit him.
Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan was seen visiting Dharmendra’s residence after his last rites to meet the veteran’s family.
Virat Kohli took to X to pay a heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra. He wrote: “Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him. May the family find strength in this tough time. My sincere condolences to the whole family.”
Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan and Govinda were spotted attending Dharmendra’s last rites at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.
Dia stated, “A true son of the soil… rooted in simplicity, warmth and goodness. Even at the height of superstardom, he stayed closest to the land that nurtured him.” She added, “I will always hold dear those moments he shared from his farmhouse, feeding animals, touching trees with love, walking through the fields. In a fast world, he reminded us to live gently… to laugh, to love, to belong to nature.”
The actress further wrote, “Today we honour the icon, and the farmer’s son who carried the fragrance of “mitti” wherever he went. Thank you, Dharmendra ji, for showing us what it means to live with an open heart and for showing us real strength is born from empathy. You live on, in our memories, and in every patch of earth where kindness grows. Deepest Condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
An emotional Anupam Kher, shared a video in tribute to Dharmendra. “#Dharamji was undoubtedly the warmest and kindest man in the Indian Film Industry! He was the epitome of goodness. He was called a #HEMAN but undoubtedly with the softest and the most generous heart. His large heartedness was legendary! He was a fantastic actor with an amazing range of all the emotions! But when people talk more about the a person’s wonderful nature than his acting, that means the person will become folklore in the coming years! We will miss you #DharamJi! You will always remain the BESTEST! Om Shanti!”
Bollywood star couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were spotted at the Pawan Hans crematorium, where Dharmendra’s last rites were performed.
NTR JR on X stated, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dharmendra ji. An era he defined can never be replaced and the warmth he brought to Indian cinema will stay with us forever. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire family.”
“The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti,” wrote PM Modi.
“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 on through your films and the love you spread. Om Shanti,” wrote Akshay Kumar.
“Goodbye Dharmapaji. Your departure is extremely heartbreaking; it feels as though I’ve lost my father for the second time. The love and blessings you gave will always remain in my heart and in my memories. No one knew better than you how to settle into someone’s heart in a moment. You will always remain in our hearts. May God grant you a place at His feet,” wrote comedian Kapil Sharma in a tweet.
Salman Khan, who has had a long-standing association with the Deol family, was clicked at Dharmendra’s funeral. He arrived to pay his last respects to the veteran actor.
She said, “I was almost daily on the phone with them. I knew he was critical, I really really wished he would make through.” Sharmila Tagore also opened up about working with Dharmendra in Chupke Chupke.
She said, “When he was late for outdoor shooting, Rishi Da continued without him. After that, Dharam was never late for Rishi Da’s set. He was worried that his role would be cut. He was a wonderful person.”
Karan Johar offered his condolences to Dharmendra. He called it the “end of an era”. Sharing a throwback photo of the late actor, the film producer wrote, “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 …. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe …. Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… we love you kind Sir…. We will miss you so much…. The heavens are blessed today…. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you…. And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi……OM SHANTI.”
