Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, along with several leading actors from across the Indian film industries, expressed profound grief over the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra. Tributes have poured in on social media, remembering the late star’s unparalleled legacy and personal warmth.
Shah Rukh Khan called Dharmendra a “father figure”, sharing an emotional note on X.
“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. You are immortal… and your soul will live through your films and your beautiful family forever. Love you always,” he wrote.
Taking to his social media handle, Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to the late actor and his towering cinematic legacy. Remembering Dharmendra with deep emotion, he wrote,
“Another valiant Giant has left us.. left the arena.. leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound..
Dharam ji…. the epitome of greatness, ever linked not only for his renowned physical presence, but for the largeness of his heart, and its most endearing simplicity.. .. he brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament.. un soiled throughout his glorious career, in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade.. … the fraternity underwent changes .. not him.”
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan remembered Dharmendra as one of Indian cinema’s kindest icons.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and legendary actor Dharmendra ji. 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,” he wrote on X.
Superstar Rajinikanth shared a personal farewell, “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.”
Jr NTR also paid tribute, saying, “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.”
Mahesh Babu remembered Dharmendra as one of cinema’s strongest voices.
“Cinema has lost one of its strongest voices today… Rest in peace Dharmendra Deol Sir. The honesty and weight you brought to every character across generations and eras will continue to inspire us always….Praying for strength and courage to his family during this difficult time…,” he wrote.
Mammootty also paid tribute, “A true icon has left us. Dharam ji’s legacy will continue to inspire every generation. Heartfelt condolences and prayers.”
Mohanlal expressed his condolences, saying, “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. Om Shanti.”
Actress Kasthuri wrote, “Abhi Na Jao Chod Ke… End of Legend.” Adivi Sesh added, “Truly one of the greats. Rest in Peace sir. Dharmendra.”
Shatrughan Sinha shared nostalgic memories along with a heartfelt note, “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 and a humble human being. He will be remembered forever for his great contributions to the film industry. A personality in totality, an era of ‘He Man/Star’ has gone. My first ‘Hero’ and ‘People’s Hero’ in the film industry are no more. It is an irreparable & irreplaceable loss to all of us & the entire film industry. Strength to the family, friends, well wishers and fans in these traumatic times. Om Shanti.”
Priyanka Chopra shared a deeply personal tribute, recalling her early days in the industry.
“In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films. One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son. Him and his family made me feel welcome in the industry, at a time when no one knew me. Very few people are capable of that kind of warmth and grace, towards a complete newcomer, from Bareilly, who didn’t know anyone in Mumbai,” she wrote.
She added, “I have known the Deol family since the beginning of my career. I’ve worked in multiple movies with Sunny and Bobby. This feels personal, and I know I share that feeling with many others in the world.”
Reflecting on Dharmendra’s legacy, she wrote, “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. As I type this note on a film set, in between shots, I think about how so many of us will always be inspired by him. Hailing from a small town with no Godfather and big dreams.. he made a permanent mark in a tough industry.. and he carried his family along. A true blue Hindi film Hero.”
Govinda also paid tribute, sharing a throwback picture and writing, “No one can be like you, love you my ustad forever.”
Ibrahim Ali Khan, who assisted on Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, also shared a heartfelt message, recalling Dharmendra’s special connection to his family.
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“Some people aren’t just stars on screen, they change the course of their lives. Dharam Ji discovered my mother in Delhi when she was only 16, and trusted her with her first film Betaab. If it wasn’t for him, she may never have left Delhi… and we might not even exist. It’s overwhelming to think that our entire journey, our family, our place in this industry, all of it ,began because of him. A man whose kindness shaped destinies,” he posted.
He added, “Dharam Ji, you were devilishly handsome, effortlessly charming and truly timeless. Thank you for the wisdom you shared with me, I will hold onto your words for the rest of my life. My heart goes out to the entire Deol family, May they find strength through this difficult time. Rest in peace, sir. You will live on forever.”
Across social media, tributes continue to pour in as the entertainment industry, fans and colleagues mourn the loss of one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons.
