Bollywood came together in an overwhelming wave of grief after the passing of legendary actor Dharmendra, who died on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89. As the news spread, heartfelt tributes began pouring in from actors, filmmakers, political leaders and fans across the world, reflecting the immense respect and love the veteran actor earned over his glorious career.
Soon after the announcement, social media platforms were flooded with emotional messages. Senior actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha and Dharmendra’s sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a warm and generous soul who inspired generations.
Younger stars including Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal and Salman Khan also shared heartfelt posts. Many described Dharmendra as “a pillar of Indian cinema” and “the symbol of true stardom.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his demise “an end of an era,” acknowledging the incomparable contribution Dharmendra made to Indian films and culture. President Droupadi Murmu too paid her respects, remembering his iconic roles and humble nature.
Outside his Mumbai residence, hundreds of fans gathered to offer their condolences. Emotional scenes were witnessed at the Juhu crematorium, where top actors and industry friends arrived to pay their final respects. Dharmendra’s long-time co-stars, including many from the golden era of cinema, described the day as “deeply painful” and “a huge loss for the industry.”
Film associations and guilds across India also issued statements honouring his legacy. Many theatres observed a moment of silence before screenings, reflecting the impact Dharmendra had on audiences spanning multiple generations.
As the industry continues to mourn, one sentiment echoes across Bollywood — Dharmendra was not just a star, he was an emotion, leaving behind memories that will continue to inspire the world of cinema for years to come.