Tributes pour in as India's who's who remembers veteran actor Dharmendra

Dharmendra, the veteran actor who gave memorable performance in about 300 movies, ranging from Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dharam Veer to the 2023 release, Rocky Aur Raani Kii Prem Kahani, died on Monday, November 24.

Tributes from various Bollywood celebrities and politicians poured in following his demise in Mumbai, with Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar, remembering him as a "bonafide legend" of Indian cinema, "an inspiration for generations", and the "original He-Man."

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 ????

pic.twitter.com/Vj6OzV20Xz

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 24, 2025 

Karan, who directed Dharmendra in his 2023 directorial "Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani", posted a long note on Instagram.

"It is the 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," the director wrote.

Karan said Dharmendra's death has left "a gaping hole in the industry".

"He only had immense love and positivity for everyone...  There will always be the 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," he added.

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a series of pictures on her Instagram handle and captioned them, "Forever in power."

Farhan Akhtar sent his condolences to the Deol family and said Dharmendra will "forever remain irreplaceable".

"A big, big loss to the entire film world... 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," he said.

Suniel Shetty posted, "Strength wrapped in grace. Stardom wrapped in warmth. Heroism wrapped in a pure heart. That's the legacy of Dharam Paaji. To the world, he was the He-Man. To those who knew him, he was pure warmth."

Tributes from politicians

Dharmendra had forayed into politics in the early 2000s and successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner as a BJP candidate in 2004.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the film star as an iconic film personality and a phenomenal actor, and said, "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 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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025 

Modi said the manner in which Dharmendra 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 said in a post on X.

President Droupadi Murmu said, "The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema."

As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire young generations of artists, Murmu wrote on X, offering "heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers".

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 

In a message posted on 'X', Home Minister Amit Shah said coming from an ordinary family, Dharmendra carved an indelible identity for himself in the film industry.

"The passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades with his finest acting, is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world," Shah wrote.

Dharmendra was one of those rare actors who brought every character he touched to life, and through this very art, he won the hearts of millions of viewers across all age groups, he said.

"Through his acting, he will forever remain among us. May God grant a place at His sacred feet to the noble soul and bestow strength upon his family and admirers to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," the home minister said in the post.

The actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, was not keeping well for a while and was in and out of a Mumbai hospital, and the family decided to continue his treatment at home earlier this month.