Besides his stories filmography, Dharmendra's personal life was also a matter of great interest for his fans and audiences. His marriages with Prakash Raj and Hema Malini remained a subject of public curiosity and media attention for decades. For an insight into Dharmendra's two marriages, read the story here. 

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena supremo Raj Thackeray posted an emotional tribute for veteran actor Dharmendra on social media.

Raj Thackeray wrote in Marathi on X, "Dharmendraji has died. In Indian cinema, when one speaks of a 'superstar,' there is a period of whirlwind success, and there is also a period of fading away. But Dharmendraji is an exception to this. He gave one blockbuster film after another, yet the title of superstar didn't stick to him, or rather, he didn't let it stick. It feels more like he didn't let it stick, because in Dharmendraji's case, his real self was even more intense than his image.

"In the 1960s decade, a young man with a handsome appearance, an extremely robust physique, a charming smile, a personality where masculinity was naturally felt yet without any trace of bravado, appeared on the screen, and for the next several decades, he dominated the Hindi film industry.

"How many get the fortune of working with a director like Bimal Roy right at the start of their career? Later, directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Chetan Anand, Ramesh Sippy, Raj Khosla, Manmohan Desai, and many others felt that Dharmendra should be their hero--this itself reveals the immense talent within Dharmendraji. And in the highly complicated world of cinema, he was a straightforward man, and that's why he always remained the common man's hero.

"The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's humble tribute to his memories," wrote Thackeray in a heartfelt tribute for Dharmendra.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called Dharmendra's death "an irreparable loss" to Indian cinema.

लोकप्रिय फिल्म अभिनेता श्री धर्मेंद्र जी का निधन अत्यंत दुःखद एवं कला व फिल्म जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है। उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि!
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्मा को सद्गति तथा शोकाकुल परिजनों एवं उनके प्रशंसकों को यह अथाह दुःख सहन करने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।
ॐ…

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 24, 2025

"Popular film actor Shri Dharmendra Ji's death is extremely tragic and an irreparable loss to the world of art and cinema. Humble tribute to him! I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed soul attains eternal peace and grants strength to the grieving family and his fans to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!" the UP CM wrote in an X post.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee posted a heartfelt tribute for Dharmendra, one of his "favourite childhood heroes". 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."

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… pic.twitter.com/MH62im639x

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) November 24, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was "deeply anguished" by the news of Dharmendra's death. 

Deeply anguished by the demise of legendary Hindi film actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. He brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 24, 2025

"He brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and countless admirers," the defence minister said.

Dharmendra, who died on Monday morning, according to news agency IANS, at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89, was more than a film icon. The veteran actor, whose final cinematic apperance will be the upcoming war drama Ikkis, was also an astute businessman whose estimated net worth is Rs 335 crore. Read the full story here. 

Actor Jaya Prada said she met Dharmendra "a few months ago". "Today, it's a very sad day. It's a very sad day for the entertainment industry. It's a great loss. A few months back, I met him. He was so joyful," she told NDTV. Read the full story here.

Dharmendra's last post was a touching black-and-white picture of himself with his second wife Hema Malini. 

The actor couple married in 1980 and share daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Read more.

President Droupadi Murmu shared a condolence message mourning Dharmendra's death, saying his death was "a great loss to Indian cinema".

The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 24, 2025

"One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire young generations of artists. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers," the president wrote on X.

Singer-actor Salma Agha told NDTV that Dharmendra will "forever be with us".

"He was a person like a dream, too good for a person for all of us. Someone who will always live in our hearts. He was the best. His goodness was his highlight. It always reflected onscreen and offscreen. He can never leave us. He will be forever with us," she said. Read the full story here.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone reach Pawan Hans crematorium to pay last respects to Dharmendra. The veteran actor died earlier today. His cremation took place at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai this afternoon.

As the news of Dharmendra's death started doing the rounds on the Internet, several Bollywood celebs, including Karan Johar, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Manish Malhotra, shared memorable tributes remembering the late actor on social media. Read the full story here.

Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Salman Khan leave the Pawan Hans crematorium after Dharmendra's last rites. The veteran actor was cremated amid tight security, in the presence of his family and several industry colleagues.

Veteran actor Saira Banu, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, said she will always remember Dharmendra fondly.

"Dharmendra's death is impossible to process. Dilip Sahab (Dilip Kumar) considered him his younger brother. He would often come to my house to chat, eat and sometimes drink with Dilip Sahab. I'm too upset to talk about this. I will always remember him," Saira Banu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a glowing tribute to Dharmendra in an X post.

"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," the Prime Minister wrote.

Dharmendra consigned to flames (mukhagni). The veteran actor's last rites took place at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai this afternoon, amid heavy security and several Bollywood actors in attendance.

Moushumi Chatterjee told NDTV that she never considered Dharmendra a He-Man.

"He was not a He-Man, he was a very soft-hearted man. He was a family-oriented man. He was a big man and will remain one. He had a great sense of humour," she said.

Sharmila Tagore told NDTV that she was constantly in touch with Dharmendra's family.

"I was almost daily on the phone with them. I knew he was critical, I really really wished he would make through," she said.

Sharmila Tagore, who worked with Dharmendra in 1975's Chupke Chupke, remembered him as a "patriarch".

"Everyone called him papaji. He was a proper patriarch. He looked after everybody. He was a person you go to," she added.

Filmmaker Karan Johar was one of the first celebrities to share a condolence message on social media. The director, who worked with Dharmendra in 2023's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, said his death marks the end of an era. 

 "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 …." 

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan are the latest film celebrities to reach the Pawan Hans Crematorium, where Dharmendra's last rites will be performed. The actor had previously visited the legendary actor when he was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital.

Several film celebrities, including Dharmendra's second wife Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Agastya Nanda, Salim Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rajkumar Santoshi, have arrived at the Pawan Hans Crematorium for the veteran actor's last rites.

Veteran actor Dharmendra died on November 24 at the age of 89 at his Mumbai home, according to news agency IANS.