Ajay Devgn marked his birthday this year with a sense of profound nostalgia and emotion as he remembered legendary actor Dharmendra, whose passing has left a void in the Hindi film industry and in the hearts of many who admired him. On his special day, Ajay chose to celebrate not just himself but also the memory of one of Bollywood’s most beloved icons. Taking to social media, he shared a throwback photograph featuring himself with Dharmendra, capturing a moment of warmth and respect between two celebrated actors.
Along with the picture, Ajay penned a heartfelt note that read, “His birthday feels different this year… but the love and laughter Dharam paaji brought into our lives will stay forever. (sic)” His message resonated deeply with fans, many of whom felt the same sentiment following the veteran actor’s passing. The tribute highlighted not only Ajay’s admiration for Dharmendra but also the emotional impact the actor had on generations of film lovers.
Ajay’s wife, actress Kajol, also posted her own emotional remembrance. Sharing an old photograph in which she is seen warmly hugging Dharmendra, Kajol wrote, “Remembering Dharmendra ji today… You will live in our hearts forever (sic),” adding a red heart emoji to her tribute. Her post served as a reminder of the bond she shared with the veteran actor, one that was strengthened during their time together on the sets of the 1998 hit film Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. Directed by Sohail Khan, the movie featured Kajol in a pivotal role alongside Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan. Working with Dharmendra on the project was a cherished experience for her, and it became yet another example of how he touched the lives of his colleagues in the industry.
Dharmendra’s influence extended far beyond the film sets. Known widely as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” he remained active in cinema for over six decades, earning admiration not only for his robust screen presence but also for the humility and warmth he carried throughout his life. His passing has stirred emotional reactions across the film fraternity, especially among those who shared close bonds with him.
One such person is Salman Khan, who was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to Dharmendra during the grand finale of Bigg Boss 19 on Sunday. Salman, who is believed to have been very close to the veteran actor and reportedly visited him in the hospital during his final days, struggled to hold back tears as he addressed the audience. Speaking about the day Dharmendra passed away, Salman revealed, “Dharmendra passed away on the 24th of November, on my father Salim Khan’s 90th birthday.” The overlap of the two dates added to the emotional weight of the moment for the actor.
Reflecting on Dharmendra’s remarkable impact, Salman described him as “the He-Man of Bollywood, with an innocent face and the body of a He-Man, with a 60+ years of legacy.” His words captured the essence of Dharmendra’s enduring persona—strong yet gentle, iconic yet approachable.
Salman became even more emotional when he mentioned that Dharmendra’s birthday falls on December 8, coincidentally the same birthday as his own father, Salim Khan. This shared date has long been a symbolic connection between the two families, making the loss even more personal for the superstar.
He also spoke about the dignity with which Dharmendra’s final rites were conducted. “I have seen two funerals being conducted with full dignity to date; one was of filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya’s mother, and the second was Dharamji’s,” Salman shared. He praised Dharmendra’s sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, along with the entire Deol family, for the love, grace, and respect with which they arranged the funeral and the subsequent prayer meetings.
According to Salman, the atmosphere during the ceremonies was filled not just with grief but also with a deep sense of gratitude and love for Dharmendra’s extraordinary life. “It was such a beautiful moment to see so many people celebrate his life with so much love,” he added.
As the tributes continue to pour in from across the country, it is evident that Dharmendra’s legacy remains vibrant and cherished. For those who knew him personally, like Ajay, Kajol, and Salman, his memory is intertwined with years of affection, inspiration, and unforgettable cinematic moments. For fans, he remains an irreplaceable figure—an artist whose contributions helped shape Bollywood into what it is today.