Veteran actor Dharmendra died on Monday, November 24, at his Mumbai home, according to news agency IANS. He was 89.
Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the industry, as colleagues and admirers remember his remarkable talent, versatility, and the warmth he brought to every role.
Priyanka Chopra
Remembering signing her for one of the first Hindi movies under Dharmendra's banner, Priyanka Chopra shared, "He and his family made me feel welcome in the industry, at a time when no one knew me."
"He 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, who didn't know anyone in Mumbai," she wrote.
"I have known the Deol family since the beginning of my career. I've worked on multiple movies with Sunny and Bobby. This feels personal, and I know I share that feeling with many others in the world," the Varanasi actor added.
"This is a big loss for cinema, but his legacy is permanent."
Anil Kapoor
After Dharmendra's demise, Anil Kapoor took to Instagram to pay tribute to the legend. He called him, "Hero, Father, the OG Punjabi".
"A man who was as keenly emotional as he was mischievous, larger than life but also relatably human," he further wrote about the OG He-Man.
"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," the tribute further read.
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh was a huge fan of Dharmendra. Together they starred in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023). Dharmendra played the role of Ranveer's grandfather. Paying tribute to the legend today, the Dhurandhar actor shared a picture with him from the sets of their film.
Dharmendra and Ranveer Singh have worked together in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Photo: Ranveer Singh/ Instagram
Rashmika Mandanna
Rashmika Mandanna shared an old picture of Dharmendra on her Instagram stories. She wrote, "A legend has left us. Rest easy, Dharmendra sir."
Rashmika Mandanna wrote, "A legend has left us." Photo: Rashmika Mandanna/ Instagram
Rajkummar Rao
In the recent post, Rajkummar Rao paid tribute to Hindi cinema legend Dharmendra. He wrote, "Rest in peace, legend Dharmendra sir. Thank you for a lifetime of films, warmth and humanity. You will live in our hearts forever. One of the nicest superstars that I had the fortune of meeting and talking about cinema and life. You will be missed, sir. Om Shanti."
Anupam Kher
Hearing the news about Dharmendra's death, actor Anupam Kher posted a video, calling him "The kindest man ever".
He wrote, "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 a person's wonderful nature than his acting, then that means the person will become folklore in the coming years! We will miss you #DharamJi! You will always remain the BESTEST! Om Shanti," his tribute read.
Nikitin Dheer
Paying tribute to Dharmendra, Nikitin Dheer shared a few old pictures of the actor, Hema Malini, and his late father, Pankaj Dheer.
He wrote, "My Dad & I used to often discuss who is the most successful hero of all time in our film industry, he would say Dharam uncle, without batting an eyelid.. He used to always add, the most manly, the most handsome, the most humble, and the man wth a golden heart..an absolute original.. Dharam uncle.."
"When my Dad passed, Dharam uncle called my Mom from the ICU and expressed his love and condolences and told Mom that he would be back home soon, not to worry," he added.
Akshay Kumar
Paying tribute to Dharmendra, Akshay Kumar shared a picture with him on his Instagram stories. He wrote, "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."
Akshay Kumar called Dharmendra, "Industry's original He-Man." Photo: Akshay Kumar/ Instagram
Ajay Devgn
After hearing the news of Dharmendra's demise, Ajay Devgn shared a farewell note on his Instagram stories. It read, "Heartbroken to hear about Dharam ji. His warmth, generosity, and presence inspired generations of artists."
"His warmth, generosity, and presence inspired generations of artists," wrote Ajay Devgn. Photo: Ajay Devgn/ Instagram
"The industry has lost a legend... and we've lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema," the actor wrote.
Sidharth Malhotra
Actor Sidharth Malhotra paid tribute to Dharmendra and wrote, "Years of memories and magic, on and off screen... thank you, for everything, Dharam sir. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Om Shanti."
Remembering Dharmendra, Sidharth Malhotra wrote, "Years of memories and magic, on and off screen." Photo: Sidhrath Malhotra/ Instagram
Sushmita Sen
Honouring Dharmendra, Sushmita Sen wrote, "A legend, yes, but what an incredible human being!!! He touched lives like a blessing. His hugs, laughter, kindness & immense goodness…all so contagious & life-affirming!!!"
"The sheer joy on my face in the pictures with him tells you the energy he embodied…and shared with such generosity. There are few who leave the world more beautiful than the way they found it… I feel so grateful that I got to witness that grace through you, Dharam ji," the tribute read.
Manoj Bajpayee
Remembering Dharmendra, Manoj Bajpayee wrote, "Dharam ji was my 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. Om Shanti," the Family Man actor added.
Karan Johar
Karan Johar paid homage to Dharmendra by sharing a note on Instagram. The filmmaker 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."
Karan added, "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."
Bhumi Pednekar
Remembering Dharam Ji, Bhumi Pednekar wrote, "We've lost a giant of Indian cinema. Dharam Ji you will be deeply missed."
"His legacy will remain an integral part of our cultural memory forever. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti," the actor added.
Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar shared an image of Dharmendra and captioned it, "A big, big loss to the entire film world. To those who make movies and to those who watch them, Dharam ji will forever remain irreplaceable."
"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. Deepest condolences to the Deol Family," he added.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor shared a string of pictures of the veteran actor on her Instagram Stories. The first two images featured a young Dharmendra with Kareena's grandfather and Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor. In the caption, Kareena wrote, "Forever in Power".
Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote, "Forever in Power." Photo: Kareen Kapoor Khan/ Instagram
Another frame showed a solo snapshot of the veteran actor. The side note read, "Chardi Kala," which means "ever-rising spirit" or "ever-ascending state of the spirit".
Shilpa Shetty
Shilpa Shetty wrote, "I've had the privilege of working with many talented actors, but none with a bigger heart than yours. Your talent, charm and dashing looks were just the beginning, but your humility, simplicity and kindness were so inspiring."
She added, "You were a true original, a shining star that touched so many hearts. Rest in peace, you special soul. Dharamji, you will be missed. Om Shanti."
Kajol
Kajol offered a poignant tribute to Dharmendra on Instagram. She wrote, "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."
Manish Malhotra
Fashion designer Manish Malhotra expressed his sorrow at the demise of Dharmendra. He penned an elaborate note on Instagram that read, "RIP Legendary Dharamji .. In this pic on the sets of RockyAurRaniKiPremkahani looking at him in Admiration .. been A Huge Fan of his .. loved all his 70 s films that I grew up watching .. his performances.. his comic timing .. his songs .. his clothes .. his style and him being the most Handsome Macho hero .. Kept meeting him on the sets of the film he was so warm and loving … huge loss to Indian cinema and someone whom you never ever wanted to see go.. Dharamji love , Respect and Admiration forever."
Kiara Advani
Kiara Advani bid goodbye to Dharmendra by sharing a picture on her Instagram Stories. She simply added a flying dove, a white heart and a folded hand emoji in the caption.
Kiara Advani shared an old picture of Dharmendra on her Instagram stories. Photo: Kiara Advani/ Instagram
Pulkit Samrat
Here's what actor Pulkit Samrat wrote, "There are actors… and then there are pillars!! Dharam ji held up entire generations with his courage, charm and goodness!! Today..cinema loses a father figure…! We grew up watching him punch villains, charm the world and protect the ones he loved.. But the real hero was always the man behind the legend!! Dharam ji, thank you for the goodness you carried so effortlessly.. The industry feels emptier today."
Dharmendra was last seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, alongside Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.