‘End of an era’: PM Modi, B-town celebrities mourn the demise of actor Dharmendra

Condolences and mourning messages poured in as He-man of Bollywood, Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 on Monday.

Filmmaker Karan Johar expressed deep sorrow as he mourned the passing of legendary actor Dharmendra, calling it “the end of an era.”

Sharing his heartfelt tribute on Instagram, the director honoured the veteran star’s unmatched legacy, remembering him as an icon whose warmth, humility and timeless performances shaped generations of Indian cinema.

Sharing a monochrome image of the veteran actor, Karan Johar wrote, “It is an 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 …. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe ….” (sic).

He added, “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … 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…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi……OM SHANTI.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, saying, "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 equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti."

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed his profound grief and said that his demise “is an irreparable loss for the Indian art world.” 

“The news of the demise of the great actor Dharmendra ji is extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the Indian art world. His unparalleled contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love,” said Rahul Gandhi on X.

“I offer my heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with his bereaved family, friends, and fans,” he added.

Similarly, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal also expressed his profound grief over the veteran leader’s death.

“The nation has lost a true legend of cinema. I join crores of fans in mourning the loss of stalwart actor Dharmendra. His performances spanning 7 decades left a huge impact on Indian cinema and culture. My condolences to his family and fans in this difficult time,” Venugopal said on X.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee posted, "Dharam ji was my parents favourite and one of my childhood heroes. He had a warmth you felt even before he spoke. His dignity, his humour, and the way he carried himself on and off screen left a deep mark on everyone who met him or watched him. Losing him feels personal. His films, his love for people, and the gentle strength he stood for will stay with us. Om Shanti 🙏🏽"

Actress Kiara Advani took to her social media account in expressing her grief over Dharmendra’s passing away. She shared a picture of the superstar and added emoticons of a dove, a white heart and folded hands.

Playback singer Jubin Nautiyal took to his Instagram, and shared an AI image of the late actor as he paid condolence to the actor.

He also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, “I was lucky to have crossed paths with him… lucky to have felt his warmth, his sincerity, his quiet strength. People like him don’t just leave memories, they leave blessings. My deepest condolences to the family. Rest peacefully, Dharmender ji. Your kindness will continue to live in every life you touched”.

Actress Kajol paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran star Dharmendra, calling his death a loss that has left the world “poorer.” 

Kajol took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of Dharmendra sitting next to Kajol’s son Yug. He could be seen smiling warmly, with his arm around the young boy.

For the caption, Kajol wrote: “The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always . RIP Dharamji …with love always.”

Many were stunned by the news, as actor Riteish Deshmukh posted, “I am stunned to hear the news of the demise of Bollywood's legendary actor Dharmendra ji. 💔💔 May God grant peace to his soul and give the family the strength to bear this sorrow.”

Actor Pulkit Samrat mourned the loss of the veteran actor and said that he “held up entire generations with his courage, charm and goodness”. 

Pulkit took to Instagram, where he shared a monochrome picture of the star and wrote: “ There are actors… and then there are pillars!! Dharam ji held up entire generations with his courage, charm and goodness!!”

He said that cinema has lost a “father figure.”

“Today..cinema loses a father figure…! We grew up watching him punch villains, charm the world and protect the ones he loved.. But the real hero was always the man behind the legend!! Dharam ji, thank you for the goodness you carried so effortlessly.. The industry feels emptier today. #RIP.”

Actor-critic KRK on his X posted, “RIP Dharam Ji. You were super star and you will remain super star till the last day of Bollywood. #DharmendraDeol 🌹🙏”

Movie business analyst Taran Adarsh posted, “End of an era… Legendary actor #Dharmendra ji is no more... A true gem – humble, warm, and full of grace. #Indian cinema has lost one of its most cherished icons... Om Shanti. 🙏”

Actor's legacy

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 November 24. His death was confirmed after a morning filled with intense speculation, sparked when an ambulance—accompanied by heavy security—was seen arriving at his Mumbai residence.

The mortal remains of legendary actor Dharmendra were taken to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle shortly after his passing. The ambulance carrying the veteran star arrived with close family members walking alongside. Several prominent figures from the film fraternity, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, were seen arriving at the crematorium to pay their final respects to the iconic actor.

The octogenarian made his debut with 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke.

He starred in several successful Hindi films from the late-1960s to the 1980s, such as Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Elaan-E-Jung, Tahalka, Anpadh, Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Mamta, Majhli Didi, Satyakam, Naya Zamana, Samadhi, Resham Ki Dori, Chupke Chupke, Dillagi, The Burning Train, Ghazab, Do Dishayen and Hathyar.

In the late 1990s, he appeared in character roles in several successful and acclaimed films, such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a... Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)