Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has joined the long list of celebrities mourning the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89. On Monday, the actress shared a deeply heartfelt tribute on Instagram, accompanied by a series of rare throwback photographs from the films they worked on together. Her words reflected not only admiration, but also a personal bond shaped by years of collaboration and mutual respect.
In an emotional caption, Zeenat wrote, “I am so sad to learn that the world lost a jewel from the Hindi film industry today. Dharam ji was always amongst my favourite co-stars, and I am blessed to have worked alongside him in a number of movies.” She described how Dharmendra’s gentle nature helped ease her own introverted personality on film sets. “For an introverted personality such as myself, his down-to-earth demeanour and natural kindness were a warm comfort on set,” she noted. Whenever the glamour and pressure of showbiz felt overwhelming, Dharmendra, she said, remained a grounding presence — “a sweet reminder that life is about the real things, not the fluff.”
Her tribute ended with condolences to the Deol family and a poignant reassurance: “May it be of some solace that his legacy is cherished by millions of Indians around the world.”
Dharmendra, often described as one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars, leaves behind a storied legacy spanning over six decades. Born in 1935 in Punjab, his journey to stardom began in the most remarkable way — through a talent hunt. In 1958, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, organised a nationwide contest to find fresh faces for Indian cinema. Dharmendra entered, captivated the judges with his imposing screen presence and natural charm, and emerged the winner. This win opened the doors of the film industry to him, marking the beginning of a remarkable cinematic career. Notably, the same competition later discovered Rajesh Khanna, another superstar of Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra’s rise was swift and well-deserved. With films like Phool Aur Patthar, he established himself as a leading man capable of both emotional intensity and rugged strength. His portrayal of the lovable Veeru in the cult classic Sholay remains etched in the hearts of generations. Over the decades, he excelled in romance, drama, action, and comedy, becoming one of the most versatile actors Indian cinema has ever seen.
In recognition of his contributions, Dharmendra was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. His passing marks the end of an era but the memories, performances, and warmth he leaves behind ensure that his legacy will endure forever.