Dharmendra Death News Highlights: Sunny Deol, Hema Malini, Esha Deol bid emotional goodbye; Shah Rukh Khan, PM Modi pay tribute

Farhan Akhtar said via Instagram, "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."

Actor Chunky Panday took to Instagram and wrotet, "Dharamji Our Superhero. We are Blessed to have witnessed the Dharmendra Era. He continues to Live in our Hearts Forever and Ever."

Ibrahim Ali Khan shared a long note on Instagram which read, "Some people aren’t just stars on screen, they change the course of 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. 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."

Choreographer-filmmaker Remo Dsouza posted on Instagram, "Every legend leaves behind two stories—the ones on screen, and the ones we hold in our hearts. With Dharmendra ji, both were extraordinary. Honoured to have witnessed the man behind the myth. RIP."

Shatrughan Sinha shared via X, "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 & a humble human being. He will be remembered forever for his great contributions to the film industry/ cinema. A personality in totality an era of 'He Man/Star' has gone. My first 'Hero' & People's Hero' in the film industry is no more. It is an irreparable & irreplaceable loss to all of us & the entire film industry. Strength to the family, friends, well wishers & fans in these traumatic times. Om Shanti."

Mohanlal took to X to share, "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."

Mammootty said via X, "A true icon has left us. Dharam ji’s legacy will continue to inspire every generation. Heartfelt condolences and prayers."

Actor Utkarsh Sharma posted on X, "I remember meeting Dharam ji for the first time, and I was captivated by his simplicity and his undying love for acting. He was passionately reciting a shayari he had written, and I, barely a graduate then—was his audience. And I was captivated not just by his poetry, but by the fire within him to keep winning the hearts of his audience. He was a He-Man and a gentleman rolled into one, someone who achieved the rarest feat any artist dreams of: to echo in the hearts of fans across the world forever. We have lost someone who was more than a legend."

Govinda shared condolences for Dharmendra on X, "No one can be like you, love you my ustad forever."

Virat Kohli paid a tribute to Dharmendra on X, "Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him. May the family find strength in this tough time. My sincere condolences to the whole family."

Shilpa Shirodkar shared via X, "He was a man whose smile held the warmth of a thousand suns, whose kindness touched countless hearts, and who was always full of life and energy. He inspired so many through his wisdom and his work, leaving us with an incredible legacy. His energy, his aura and his unique personality are truly irreplaceable. Rest in peace, Dharam ji"

Mahesh Babu paid a tribute to Dharmendra on X, "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…"

Sachin Tendulkar remembered Dharmendra after his death and posted on Instagram, "I, like many others, took an instant liking to Dharmendra ji, the actor, who entertained us with his versatility. That on-screen bond became stronger off-screen when I met him. His energy was incredibly infectious, and he would always tell me, “Tumko dekhkar ek kilo khoon badh jaata hai mera.” He had an effortless warmth, making everyone around him feel valued and special. It was impossible not to be a fan of the person he was. Today, my heart feels heavy with his passing. Aisa lagta hai jaise mera 10 kilo khoon kam ho gaya hai. Will miss you."

Priyanka Chopra shared a long post after Dharmendra's death that read, "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, who didn’t know anyone in Mumbai. 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. 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."

She added, "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. He had a dream and made it come true.. and carried his family along. A true blue Hindi film Hero. Rest in paradise, Dharamji. My condolences to the entire Deol family."

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra weere seen visiting Dharmendra’s home to offer their condolences to the family.

Subhash Ghai shared via X, "I LOVE YOU KHUSH RAHO. Was the only voice from his soul to everyone he met always. One of the most genuine human being in indian cinema . He always meets u like a family member n always smiling n hugging. Dharam paa ji voh bundaa hai. Jo hamare dil me sada zinda hai."

AR Rahman posted on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Dharmendra ji… A timeless icon whose grace, humility, and strength of spirit lit the screen and touched generations. His art will live on, and his kindness will be remembered. My heartfelt prayers for peace and strength to his family and admirers around the world."

Actor Rakesh Bedi shared his memories with Dharmendra and shared with SCREEN, "I have known Dharamji for more than 45 years, we have worked together in films earlier also. Last we worked in Teri Baaton Mei. Aisa Uljha Jiya where he played my father. He was very fond of me, we had a great bonding. Since we both are Punjabi's I used to crack jokes in Punjabi, he used to look for me on the sets always. I made him laugh a lot. He had a big heart, never had the air about being a star. He always used to create a great atmosphere on set."

The actor added, "I will miss the energy he brought on a set, he used to keep the entire unit together. He used to love sitting around others on set and crack jokes. 47 years back when I first met him, I was in awe. Om Prakashji had introduced us, I was an upcoming name back then, he was so encouraging. He was very handsome, you couldn't take your eyes off him. I used to keep visiting him on his birthday, though not regularly, but we were in touch. More than a He-Man he was a real man. He Man was just a screen image, in real life he was truly what a Man should be. Also, he was a great human being."

Juhi Chawla remembered Dharmendra and told SCREEN, "When I was a child I watched Sholay so many times … again and again .. the drunken Veeru on the village water tanker proposing to Basanti , Veeru in the temple behind Shivji fooling Basanti, Veeru & Jai on the scooter singing Ye Dosti … … Dharamji lit up the screen with his good looks , romance , strength and humour. And his iconic dance moves . Deeply deeply saddened to hear this news .."

Sunny Deol was seen leaving crematorium after performing the last rites for his father, Dharmendra. The veteran actor passed away on Monday morning.

Actor Arjun Rampal shared via Instagram," With a very heavy heart……Goodbye Dharamji, thank you for all the love, warmth one felt in your presence and the joy laughter, tears you spread, through your work amongst us and many generations. You will always live in our hearts. My deepest condolences to the whole Deol family. My prayers for all of you. RIP 💔."

Govinda was seen driving his car to crematorium where Dharmendra's final rites took place.

Randeep Hooda posted that he had only one hero -- Dharmendra. He wrote on X, "म्हारा तै एक्कै हीरो था Legends don’t die. There will never be another Dharmendra. A great actor and a beautiful man inside out. You’ll forever be in our hearts Dharam ji."

Saira Banu mourned the loss of the legendary actor Dharmendra. "It's a terrible day, itni memories hain, kya bolungi main, I'm going now, itni memories hain, gem of a man, irreplaceable man. Aise insaan banenge nahi, phir milenge nahin aapko. Dilip Sahab ke chote bhai the vo bilkul, aur vo Dilip Sahab ko apna bada bhai maante chale, inspired by Dilip Sahab to come into the film industry, Dharam ji kehte the he came to the industry, and he loved him, and they spent so much time together, chahe subah ho, shaam ho, raat ke 2 baje. He was absolute family to Dilip Sahab and us and he was so dear to me, he was so down to earth. We will love him forever and there will be no one like Dharam Ji, no one like Dilip Sahab, they were of different species," shared the actor while speaking to Zoom.

Sunny Deol's sons Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol were also spotted at the Pawan Hans crematorium.

Allu Arjun shared via X, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Legendary actor #dharmendra ji. A legend who touched millions of hearts . My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans."

Sunil Dutt's daughter Priya Dutt posted on X, "The He-Man of Indian cinema is no more.. Dharmendra ji’s departure leaves a void that Indian cinema can never fill. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to the family in this moment of immense loss. Om Shanti🙏🏻."

Johny Lever shared an emotional post for Dharmendra on X, "#dharmendra Ji. A great artist & and an even greater human being. A superstar who was extremely humble & kind. We will miss you Dharam Paaji..my condolences & prayers for the entire family🙏🏽🕊️."

Anupam Kher shared a video remembering Dharmendra and wrote, "THE KINDEST MAN EVER💔: #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 the 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! 💔🕉💔 #heartbroken." Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone arrived at Pawan Hans crematorium to meet the family and stand with them in their hour of grief. Dharmendra pased away on Monday morning.

Music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani took to Instagram and wrote, "There will never be another. A global icon who remained a true son of the soil, #dharmendra ji’s warmth of spirit, and his love and respect for talent and hard work will always inspire. Deepest condolences to his family, and to his endless legion of fans."

Kapil Sharma paid a tribute to Dharmendra on social media. he wrote in Hindi on social media account, which translates as, "Good bye Dharma Paji 💔 your gone is so sad, it feels like losing your father for the second time. The love and blessings you gave me will always remain in my heart and memories. How to settle in someone's heart in a moment, no one knew it better than you. In our hearts you will always be. May God place you in His feet 🙏 #dharmendradeol." Dharmendra died at the age of 89 on Monday.

Manoj Bajpayee shared condolences on Dharmendra's death on Instagram, saying that Dharmendra's loss felt personal to him. "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 🙏🏽," he wrote.

Dharmendra’s wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol were seen leaving the cremation ground, acknowledging the media with folded hands.

TV star Aly Goni said via Instagram, "It feels like the nation has lost a part of its childhood today. Rest in peace, Dharmendra ji… your presence will always feel like home."

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra posted on Instagram, "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."

Shilpa Shetty shared on Instagram, "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 was so inspiring. 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."

In Photos: Dharmendra will always hold a special place in every fan’s heart. Dharmendra, the ultimate symbol of strength and style, ruled Hindi cinema through the 1960s and 70s.

SEE SOME EXPRESS ARCHIVE PHOTOS HERE

Kajol shared a photo of Dharmendra with her son Yug and 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 💔."

PM Narendra Modi shared via X, "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."

Akshay Kumar shared via X, "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 🙏."

Actor-filmmaker Boman Irani shared on Instagram, "It is painful to write this…But, as we rewind that reel of joy that he brought to millions like me, the tear drops down one’s cheek with gratitude and awe. A face of rugged handsomeness, yet exuded kindness like no other. Intense when he had to and yet boyish and funny on another day. He had something for everyone. Romantic for some, macho for the other but benevolent for all. As he stands up on that Giant Water Tank in the Sky, we say goodbye and will always be grateful for the wonderful memories."

Anil Kapoor was seen arriving at Pawan Hans for Dharmendra's last rites. The actor passed away on Monday morning from age-related issues.

Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram and 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 …. 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 and 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."

Akshay Kumar, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi paid their last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur paid his last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Actor Sanjay Dutt paid his last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Actor Zayed Khan paid his last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Screenwriter Salim Khan paid his last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Filmmaker Anil Sharma paid his last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi paid his last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Actor Salman Khan paid his last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan attended Dharmendra's funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan paid their last respects to Dharmendra at the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Dharmendra's family members, including wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, were seen arriving for the funeral held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89, police sources confirmed to The Indian Express. He had been hospitalised in October after complaining of breathlessness and, following weeks of treatment, was discharged on November 12 to continue his recovery at home. Dharmendra breathed his last on November 24.