The film industry and fans alike are still reeling from the heartbreaking news of Dharmendra’s death at the age of 89, following age-related health complications. The legendary actor breathed his last on November 24 at his Mumbai residence, days before his 90th birthday. Since then, tributes have not stopped pouring as people are remembering his unmatched warmth and larger-than-life presence. Among those honouring him is veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who penned a heartrending tribute for Dharmendra and celebrated the man he was.
‘Valiant giant left us…,’ says Big B
“Another valiant Giant has left us… left the arena… leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound…,” Big B started his tribute for the actor.
He went on to remember the simplicity and warmth of the actor, which he said is a rarity in their profession.
“…the epitome of greatness, ever linked not only for his renowned physical presence, but for the largeness of his heart, and its most endearing simplicity…,” he expressed, before adding, “He brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament.. un soiled throughout his glorious career, in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade.”
Big B stressed, “The fraternity underwent changes.. not him… his smile, his charm and his warmth, extending to all that came in his vicinity… a rarity in the profession….”
The 83-year-old actor said that Dharmendra left a “vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus”.
‘Veeru left Jai,’ say emotional fans
As expected, fans quickly took to the comments section of his post and shared their thoughts. “We all know how you must be feeling at the moment… it is you and Dharmendra paaji’s jodi in the Sholay that made the country love Bollywood… Dharmendra paji, will always be there in our heart, may he rest well,” said one social media user.
Another added, “The sidecar is finally empty, but the echo of ‘Yeh Dosti’ will remain immortal.”
“Your Jai-Veeru jodi,” commented a third.
A fourth posted, “Remembered the Sholay scene where Jai left Veeru but in reality Veeru left Jai. How tragic life is. Om shanti, Dharmendra ji.”
“End of an era,” read yet another comment.
Dharmendra’s larger-than-life legacy
The actor was born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab in 1935, and grew up in a family of farmers before moving to Mumbai in the late 1950s. He made his film debut in 1960 and went on to act in over 300 films across six decades. In 2012, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award.
He also served as an MP from 2004 to 2009, but later stepped away from public life. Dharmendra is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren.
Often known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” Dharmendra brought together the strength of an action hero and the softness of a romantic lead, making him one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars. While he became famous for playing brave, larger-than-life characters, his charming roles in romantic films also won him huge popularity.
His performance in the 1975 classic Sholay – India’s take on the Spaghetti Western – made him a household name. He played the lovable Veeru alongside Amitabh Bachchan, and their friendship became one of Bollywood’s most iconic screen pairings. Dharmendra also delivered memorable performances in films like “Chupke Chupke” and “Mera Gaon Mera Desh”.
His on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini, whom he later married, became one of Bollywood’s most loved collaborations. The duo acted in more than two dozen films together.
Dharmendra was last seen in the war biopic “Ikkis.”
In a 2021 interview with Rediff, he reflected on his long career, saying, “I never thought I would come this far.”
(With inputs from agencies)