Mumbai (IANS): Tributes poured in from across the film industry as Bollywood mourned the passing of legendary actor Dharmendra. From megastars to filmmakers, co-stars, and political leaders, heartfelt messages reflected the deep personal and cultural void left by the beloved “He-Man” of Indian cinema.

Shah Rukh Khan shared a nostalgic picture on X and wrote, “Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me… thank you for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers worldwide. You are immortal, and your soul will live through your films and your beautiful family forever. Love you always.”

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman posted a heartfelt note: “I am so sad to learn that the world has lost a jewel from the Hindi film industry today. Dharam ji was always among my favourite co-stars, and I am blessed to have worked alongside him in a number of films.”

Madhuri Dixit penned an emotional tribute: “An icon who defined grace, strength, and humility. Dharamji, your loss leaves a void that can never be filled. Your legacy goes beyond the screen; it lives in the love and admiration of millions. Thank you for inspiring, entertaining, and touching hearts across decades. Forever remembered, forever cherished.”

Sonali Bendre shared a warm moment with him, writing: “The warmest heart and the loveliest smile… you’ll always be remembered with so much love.”
Anushka Sharma added, “Deeply saddened by Dharamji’s passing, a legendary icon whose warmth, talent, and grace shaped Indian cinema. His legacy will live on in our hearts. Om Shanti.”

Filmmaker Karan Johar called it “the end of an era,” while Suniel Shetty remembered him as “strength wrapped in grace, heroism wrapped in a pure heart.”
Manoj Bajpayee said the loss “feels personal,” recalling Dharmendra’s gentle strength and unwavering dignity.

Mahima Chaudhary wrote, “You were synonymous with handsome… Dancing with you on our tour in America in the 2000s to your iconic songs was one of my life’s greatest achievements. A massive megastar… You made our Jaat community so proud. You were so loved; you will be truly missed, Sir.”

Vicky Kaushal said, “Deeply saddened by this tragic news. You will always continue to be in our hearts.”

Tamil cinema legend Rajinikanth wrote, “Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Arjun Kapoor reminisced about watching Dharmendra on set as a child: “End of an era. We have lost the He-Man of Bollywood, but his warmth, grace, and legacy will live on forever.”

Kriti Kharbanda shared a throwback picture with a simple yet heavy-hearted message: “Heart so heavy. Mind so numb. Rest in peace HE-MAN.”

Priyanka Chopra offered a deeply personal tribute: “He made me feel welcome in the industry when no one knew me. This is a big loss for cinema, but his legacy is permanent. Coming from a small town with no Godfather, he made a permanent mark on a tough industry and carried his family along. A true Hindi film hero.”

Co-stars like Sachin Pilgaonkar, Aruna Irani, and Sanjay Kapoor also mourned the loss of a grounded human being who never let fame change him.

Kapil Sharma wrote, “Your passing is extremely heartbreaking. It feels as if I have lost my father for the second time. No one knew better than you how to win someone’s heart in a moment. Goodbye, Dharam paaji.”

Anupam Kher remembered him as “the kindest man ever,” adding, “He was called a HEMAN but undoubtedly had the softest and most generous heart. When people talk more about a person’s nature than his acting, the person becomes folklore.”

Sushmita Sen and Sanjay Dutt also paid moving tributes. Sanjay wrote, “Some people don’t just work in your life… they live in your heart. Dharam ji was one of them.”

Priya Dutt shared a rare picture of Dharmendra hugging her father, Sunil Dutt, stating, “His departure leaves a void that Indian cinema can never fill.”

Political Leaders Offer Condolences

Leaders from across the political spectrum also mourned the legendary actor’s demise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it “the end of an era in Indian cinema,” praising Dharmendra’s warmth, humility, and depth.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he brought life to memorable characters with “unmatched charm and sincerity,” while Home Minister Amit Shah called his passing an “irreplaceable loss.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recalled his kindness and willingness to help others, describing him as someone defined by the “postman spirit.”
J.P. Nadda noted that Dharmendra left “an indelible mark on the hearts of cinema lovers,” and Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted his timeless characters in films like Sholay and Satyakam.

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

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described his journey from black-and-white cinema to the modern era as “unique,” calling him a star who illuminated the golden age of Indian cinema.

Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar remembered him as the beloved ’He-Man’ whose simplicity, emotional depth, and iconic roles shaped generations.

Sharad Pawar said Dharmendra carved a special place in Indian cinema by portraying characters rooted in common people’s lives, while Praful Patel honoured him as a “true icon” whose warmth shaped generations of cine-lovers.