Bollywood is in deep mourning. On November 24, Indian cinema lost one of its greatest icons, Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89. His departure has left a void that feels impossible to fill. Tributes from across the industry have poured in, reflecting the immense love and respect he commanded.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Heartfelt Words
Among the many voices, Shah Rukh Khan’s tribute stood out. He took to X and expressed his grief with words that touched millions. He wrote that Dharmendra was “nothing short of a father figure” to him. He thanked the veteran actor for showering him with blessings and love throughout his journey. SRK emphasized that Dharmendra’s soul would live forever through his films and his family. Alongside his message, he shared a throwback picture where the two could be seen smiling warmly, holding each other close. The bond between them was evident, and his words carried the weight of personal loss.
A Wave of Tributes Across the Industry
Furthermore, the grief was not limited to Shah Rukh Khan. Ranveer Singh, who recently worked with Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, shared a nostalgic photograph. Kiara Advani posted Dharmendra’s image as a mark of respect. Sidharth Malhotra recalled “years of memories and magic” and thanked Dharam ji for everything he gave to cinema.
In addition, Rajinikanth, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu, and many others joined in paying homage. Varun Dhawan described Dharmendra as “larger than life on screen and incredibly kind off it.” He expressed gratitude for the moments he spent in the actor’s presence. The collective sorrow highlighted how deeply Dharmendra touched lives across generations.
Meanwhile, the Deol family faced the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye. Earlier in the day, an ambulance was seen leaving Dharmendra’s residence. Soon after, Sunny Deol, Esha Deol, and Hema Malini arrived at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai. Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were also spotted at the Vile Parle crematorium, dressed in white. Aamir Khan visited the actor’s home to pay his respects. The sight of so many legends gathering together underscored the magnitude of the loss.
Dharmendra’s Health Struggles
For those unaware, Dharmendra had been under medical care for a prolonged illness. He was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai and continued treatment at home. Doctors monitored him daily, and although his condition showed brief improvement, he eventually succumbed. His passing was not unexpected, yet it still shook the industry and his admirers worldwide.
A Legacy Beyond Stardom
Dharmendra’s legacy extends far beyond his films. He was admired for his rugged charm, emotional depth, and timeless performances. Yet, equally important were his humility and kindness. Younger actors often spoke about how warmly he welcomed them. His discipline and values shaped not only his career but also the lives of his family.
Moreover, his financial wisdom ensured stability for the Deol family. With a combined wealth of over ₹1,000 crore and his personal net worth estimated between ₹335–450 crore, Dharmendra proved that success was not just about fame but also about foresight and responsibility.
Dharmendra’s passing is not just the loss of a star. It is the loss of a father figure, a mentor, and a kind soul who shaped Bollywood’s golden era. His films will continue to inspire, his values will live on through his family, and his memory will remain etched in the hearts of millions. As Shah Rukh Khan rightly said, Dharmendra is immortal — his spirit will forever shine through cinema.
