Legendary actor Dharmendra dies at age 89; mourning.
Hyderabad: The year 2025 has delivered a heartbreaking loss to Indian cinema with the passing of legendary actor Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most iconic and beloved stars. Though he had lived a long and fulfilling life, his passing has left a void that feels impossible to replace. For generations of fans, colleagues, and admirers, his death is not just the end of an era—it feels like losing a warm, familiar presence who had been part of their lives for decades.
Dharmendra was much more than a superstar. He symbolised a blend of charm, humility, and unshakeable sincerity that made him a rare gem in the film industry. His smile could light up the screen, his performances had a natural ease that captivated audiences, and his gentle, affectionate persona off-screen made him adored by all who had the privilege of meeting him. Over the decades, he became a towering inspiration, shaping the landscape of Hindi cinema and touching countless hearts with his kind spirit.
Karan Johar’s Emotional Message
Among the earliest tributes was one from filmmaker Karan Johar, who poured his emotions into a heartfelt Instagram post. Johar reflected on Dharmendra’s passing as the true “end of an era,” writing that he had always admired the actor’s magnetic screen presence and his unmatched charm. He described Dharmendra as a “massive megastar,” someone whose handsome persona and heroic aura once defined mainstream Bollywood. But what touched Johar the most—and what he chose to highlight—was Dharmendra’s humanity.
Johar wrote, He recalled how Dharmendra’s hugs felt like blessings, how his affectionate gestures had a way of making anyone feel valued, and how his warmth lingered long after a meeting ended. Johar’s words echoed the sentiment shared by many others in the industry: that Dharmendra wasn’t just respected—he was loved deeply. With great sadness, Johar wrote that the space created by Dharmendra’s absence can never truly be filled.
Actress Kajol also shared a deeply emotional message, capturing the sorrow felt across Bollywood. goodness as a human being. Kajol added that it sometimes feels as though the world is only losing the best among us, and Dharmendra’s passing reinforces that grief. She remembered him as someone kind to the core, a man whose goodness radiated naturally, whether he was speaking to a co-actor, a newcomer, or even a stranger. Her message ended with a simple yet heartfelt, “RIP Dharamji, with love always,” capturing the affection the industry had for him.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Tribute
Kareena Kapoor Khan, too, took to Instagram to honour the late legend. She shared two black-and-white photographs that felt like windows into different eras of his life. The first image featured a young, striking Dharmendra—a reminder of his early days when he emerged as one of the most charismatic actors Bollywood had ever seen. She captioned it with “Chardi Kala,” a phrase symbolising eternal optimism and high spirits, accompanied by heart and prayer emojis. It was a gentle acknowledgement of the strength and grace he carried throughout his life.
In her second story, Kareena shared a joyous picture of Dharmendra greeting Raj Kapoor. Their bright smiles reflected a time when Bollywood was filled with camaraderie, artistry, and genuine bonds. For this image, she wrote, “Forever in power,” honouring Dharmendra’s enduring influence and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Tributes Pour In Across the Industry
As the news of Dharmendra’s death spread, tributes began to pour in from all corners of the film fraternity. Actors who had grown up watching him, directors who had dreamt of working with him, and fans who had worshipped him for decades all came together in shared grief. Social media became a space overflowing with memories—old film posters, video clips, interviews, unseen photos, and heartfelt messages celebrating his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema.
Senior actors remembered him as a dependable co-star who always brought warmth to the sets. Younger actors spoke about the inspiration they drew from his work, his humility, and the way he greeted everyone with the same affection, regardless of their age or status. Fans recalled how his movies had been part of their childhoods, their celebrations, and even their family traditions. Many spoke of the emotional connection they felt with him—an invisible thread woven through decades of cinema.
A Legacy Carved in Love and Timeless Cinema
Dharmendra’s filmography is vast and timeless, filled with roles that showcased his versatility—from intense drama and action to heartfelt romance and comedy. But what truly defines his legacy is not merely the number of films he acted in, nor the awards he received, but the love he earned along the way. He leaves behind memories that sparkle, characters that remain iconic, and moments on screen that are etched forever in Indian film history.
As Bollywood mourns, one sentiment resonates above all: Dharmendra was not just a star—he was a feeling, a warmth, a presence that made the world a little kinder. His legacy will continue to shine, not just through his films, but through the countless hearts he touched.
Bollywood has indeed lost one of its brightest, most beloved stars—but his light will continue to glow for generations.