Actors, filmmakers and singers from across the Indian film industry paid tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday at the age of 89. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, recalling his contribution to cinema and his rapport with colleagues.
Anupam Kher shared a detailed post on Instagram, describing Dharmendra as “the warmest and kindest man in the Indian film industry”. He wrote that the late actor’s generosity and nature made him “folklore for generations”.
Singer Shreya Ghoshal posted a throwback photograph with Dharmendra, calling him “an icon who defined an era”. She expressed condolences to the Deol family and said his legacy would continue to inspire artists and audiences.
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri also posted a tribute on X, stating, “They don’t make hero like Dharam Paaji anymore… When you met him, the star didn’t dim; it glowed warmer.”
Veteran actress Sushmita Sen remembered Dharmendra as “a legend and an incredible human being”. Sharing a picture with him, she wrote that his warmth, kindness and positive energy left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.
Actress Shilpa Shetty, who worked with Dharmendra in the 2007 film Apne, wrote on Instagram, “Your humility, simplicity and kindness were inspiring. You were a true original.”
Comedian Kapil Sharma also mourned the loss in a Hindi post on X, saying he felt “as if he had lost his father for the second time”, and thanked Dharmendra for his love and blessings.
Tributes continued from actors and filmmakers including Soha Ali Khan, Randeep Hooda, Arshad Warsi, Arjun Rampal, Kareena Kapoor, Karan Johar, Kiara Advani, Rakul Preet Singh, Ajay Devgn, Kapil Sharma, and many others.
On November 24, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and others visited the Pawan Hans crematorium to pay their last respects.
Dharmendra, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, is remembered for several memorable roles including Phool Aur Patthar and Sholay, where his character Veeru became widely popular.
The veteran actor was weeks away from his 90th birthday on December 8.
— IANS