'His Loss Feels Personal': Nikitin Dheer Recalls Dharmendra’s Call From ICU After Father Pankaj Dheer’s Demise

The world is mourning the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89 on Monday, November 24. As tributes continue to pour in for the He-Man of Bollywood, actor Nikitin Dheer

has shared a heartfelt note revealing how Dharmendra called him from the ICU after learning about his father Pankaj Dheer’s death.

Nikitin took to Instagram and wrote how he and his father often spoke about Dharmendra, “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..”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nikitin Dheer (@nikitindheer) 

He further revealed that Dharmendra called his mother from the ICU after hearing about Pankaj Dheer’s passing and said, “When my Dad passed, Dharam uncle called my Mom from the ICU and expressed his love and condolences and told Mom that he will be back home soon, not to worry..”

“His loss feels deeply personal..we grew up in his arms..got only love and blessings from him.. Always saw him with that smile that lit up the room..hand always raised to bless us..thank you for the invaluable contribution to cinema..thank you for filling our childhood with joy..thank you for showing us what a man can and should be,” Nikitin added while mourning the lose of the veteran star.

The actor concluded the note while writing, “Noone can fill the space you have left..there shall never be another DHARMENDRA..My heartfelt condolences to the entire family..Utmost love and respect always Aum Shanti”

About Dharmendra’s demise

Indian cinema icon Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Mumbai’s Juhu area after a brief illness. He was 89 and died just weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8, 2025. The actor’s final rites were performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. A long list of film personalities gathered to bid him farewell. His wife Hema Malini, frequent co-star Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and several others were seen at the last rites under tight security arrangements.