The news of Dharmendra’s passing at the age of 89 has left the Indian film industry and millions of fans in profound shock and grief. Although the Deol family has yet to issue an official announcement, the outpouring of tributes from celebrities across the nation reflects the magnitude of the loss. The veteran actor, beloved for his iconic roles and golden-hearted personality, had been recovering at home after being discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted due to prolonged illness. Despite daily medical monitoring and a brief period of improvement, his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise.
Among the first to pay tribute was superstar Rajinikanth, who shared an emotional note on X. “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,” he wrote, honouring both their personal bond and Dharmendra’s warmth.
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.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) November 24, 2025
Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar also posted a heartfelt message, calling his death “the end of an era.” Reminiscing about meeting him in 1978, she expressed how she was captivated by his charm and kindness from the very beginning. “I have always loved to place my hand in his palm, which always remained tiny… You have entertained us with all your heart. You will be missed, Dharam uncle. Om shanti,” she wrote, accompanied by broken-heart emojis that captured her deep sense of loss.
An era comes to an end.
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) November 24, 2025
Will always remember Dharam uncle as man with a heart of gold. From the time I met him way back in 1978, fascinated looking at the most handsome man of Indian cinema, i have always loved to place my hand in his palm, which always remained tiny.
You… pic.twitter.com/KaCtnzZKOd
Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu echoed the sentiments of an entire generation, describing Dharmendra as “a bridge to a glorious era of Indian cinema.” He reflected on how the actor’s legacy, warmth and iconic screen presence shaped the artistic aspirations of countless performers. “His legacy will continue to inspire artists for decades. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti,” he wrote.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dharmendra ji.
— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) November 24, 2025
For those of us who belong to this generation, he wasn’t just a legendary actor — he was a bridge to a glorious era of Indian cinema we grew up admiring.
His legacy, warmth, and iconic screen presence will continue to inspire…
Meanwhile, visuals from Mumbai added to the sombre atmosphere surrounding the news. Earlier in the afternoon, an ambulance was seen leaving Dharmendra’s residence. Shortly after, members of the Deol family — including Sunny Deol, Esha Deol, and Hema Malini — were photographed arriving at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle. Veteran stars Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were also seen entering the crematorium dressed in white, while Aamir Khan visited the actor’s home to pay his respects.
As India mourns, one truth remains clear: Dharmendra’s legacy — his films, his warmth, and his unparalleled screen presence — will continue to live on, inspiring generations to come.