Mumbai: The Indian cinema is devastated by the sudden death of the legendary veteran actor, Dharmendra Ji, at the age of 89 on November 24, 2025. Affectionately known as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood, his demise has led to a massive outpouring of grief from celebrities, political figures, and millions of fans. Instagram and X (previously Twitter) have been overwhelmed with emotional throwback photos and heartfelt tributes.
Bollywood Pay Tribute to Dharmendra Ji
Karan Johar
Filmmaker Karan Johar honored a heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra, sharing the photo of the legendary actor in black and white as a close-up.Having recently worked with him in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Karan described Dharmendra’s passing as “an end of an ERA.” He remembered him as a massive megastar, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema, incredibly handsome and blessed with unmatched screen presence. Karan also highlighted how Dharmendra was the best human being, deeply loved by everyone in the film industry.He concluded his emotional note with the famous line, “Abhi Na jao chodke… ke dil abhi bhara nahi, and Om Shanti”.
PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to honour the late actor. He wrote that Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema and described him as an iconic film personality who brought charm and depth to every role. Modi not only commended the actor on the basis of his acting but also with his simplicity, humility and warmth that made him equally admired off-screen.
Sharmila Tagore
Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore also remembered Dharmendra, speaking to India Today after the veteran actor’s death at 89. “We knew we were safe when we were with Dharam””, she told me, and how Dharmendra was a man of few words but always extremely lovable. She said, “We didn’t have that kind of protection back then. He managed to take me out of there. I am so sad that he’s gone,” she added, remembering an incident when Dharmendra shielded her from a crowd.
Kajol
Actress Kajol also expressed her grief by sharing a lovely photo of Dharmendra sitting beside a young boy, possibly a family member. In her touching message, she wrote that “the OG of the Good Man is gone,” adding that the world feels poorer after his loss. Kajol reflected on how it seems like only good people are leaving too soon. She praised Dharmendra’s kindness, calling him “kind to the core and loved always,” and signed off with “RIP Dharamji… with love always.”
Akshay Kumar
Actor Akshay Kumar shared a warm picture of himself with a smiling Dharmendra, remembering him as the hero every boy wanted to be. He called him the industry’s original He-Man and thanked him for inspiring generations of actors and fans. Akshay Kumar wrote that Dharmendra would continue to live on through his films and the love he spread throughout his life, ending his heartfelt tribute with “Om Shanti.”
Manish Malhotra
Designer Manish Malhotra remembered Dharmendra by sharing an elegant picture of them together, where the actor looked stylish in a blue coat and a light blue scarf. Manish wrote, “RIP Legendary Dharamji,” and expressed how emotional he felt remembering their time working together on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. He said that he was a big fan of Dharmendra since his childhood and liked to watch his performances, comic timing, songs, clothes, style and heroism. Manish mourned the loss of someone he felt no one ever wanted to say goodbye to, calling it a huge loss for Indian cinema.
Amaal Mallik
Music composer Amaal Mallik honored him by posting a vintage portrait of Dharmendra in a beige suit and tie. He highlighted the actor’s humble beginnings, sharing that Dharmendra was born in Nasrali and raised in Sahnewal, two small villages in Punjab far away from the world of films.Amaal wrote so well about how Dharmendra was a small town boy who grew into one of the largest India ever adored. He called the actor’s life journey an inspiration and a symbol of hope for every dreamer chasing success.
Ananya Panday
Actress Ananya Panday remembered Dharmendra with a nostalgic collage of two photos featuring the actor with her father, Chunky Panday. She revealed a touching personal detail, saying that her father’s first film and his first ever shot on camera were with Dharam ji. She called it forever special and said the actor would remain forever in their hearts. Ananya also shared another collage of Dharmendra Ji attending her father Chunkey Panday & Bhavna Panday’s wedding.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan also honoured Dharmendra by sharing a throwback black and white photo of her grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor, warmly hugging and laughing with Dharmendra. She captioned it with the simple yet powerful line, “Forever in Power.” Kareena has also posted another old photo in which Raj Kapoor and Dharmendra were smiling at each other, one of them lifted his hand, and this has been a classic moment of warmth.
Also Read | Legendary Actor Dharmendra Passes Away at 89, Weeks Before His 90th Birthday
