Adieu Dharamji! Rajinikanth, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra, Preity Zinta and more condole Dharmendra’s demise

Indian cinema has lost its gentlest giant. Dharmendra - the man whose smile could soften storms and whose presence filled the screen with warmth, innocence, and effortless heroism - bid his final goodbye, leaving an entire nation wrapped in grief. For decades, he wasn’t just an actor; he was home. A presence that comforted, inspired, and defined cinema for millions.

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As the news of his demise spread, tributes poured in like a river of memories. Friends, co-stars, and admirers from across generations opened their hearts to honour the man whose legacy is as immortal as the stories he helped tell.

Rajinikanth: A Farewell Between Legends

From one titan to another, Rajinikanth offered a simple yet profoundly emotional farewell. He 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." (sic)

The connection between the two legends transcended cinema - it was a bond built on respect, warmth, and the shared experience of stardom with humility.

Sanjay Dutt: A Void That Cannot Be Filled

Sanjay Dutt’s message carried the weight of a loss that strikes the soul directly. He wrote, "Some people don’t just work in your life… they live in your heart. Dharam ji was one of them. It’s a void that can’t be described. My thoughts are with Sunny, Bobby, and the entire family…" (sic)

His words perfectly captured the emotional chasm left behind by Dharmendra’s passing.

Priyanka Chopra: A Newcomer Shaped by His Grace

For Priyanka Chopra, the loss is deeply personal. She revisited the earliest days of her Bollywood journey, where Dharmendra and his family unknowingly gave wings to her dreams. She wrote, "In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films. One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son. Him and his family, made me feel welcome in the industry, at a time when no one knew me."

The warmth she received from him remains etched in her journey. She added, "Very few people are capable of that kind of warmth and grace, towards a complete newcomer, from Bareilly, who didn't know anyone in Mumbai. I have known the Deol family since the beginning of my career. I've worked in multiple movies with Sunny and Bobby. This feels personal, and I know I share that feeling with many others in the world. Some people leave behind films, some leave behind feelings. He has left us with both. His presence was magnetic. He filled up a frame with his smile and charisma like only he could."

Her tribute read like a love letter to an era - one built on kindness and humility. 

She concluded with profound admiration, "This is a big loss for cinema, but his legacy is permanent. As I type this note on a film set, in between shots, I think about how so many of us will always be inspired by him. Hailing from a small town with no Godfather and big dreams.. he made a permanent mark in a tough industry.. and he carried his family along. A true blue Hindi film Hero. Rest in paradise, Dharamji," she wrote. (sic)

Preity Zinta: A Heartfelt Goodbye

Preity Zinta’s tribute was soaked in love and gratitude - a reminder of Dharmendra’s immeasurable compassion.

She wrote, "What do you say about a man that was all heart, so loving, so compassionate & one of the biggest superstars & a legend of Indian cinema When I didn't know him I loved him and when I met him I loved him even more. Words fail me as I feel sadness creep into my heart. I will miss you beyond words Dharam Ji ! Thank you for always being so kind, and for being so generous and loving to me. Thank you for entertaining us & for uplifting others around you. You lit up so many lives. There will never be another like you. Rest in peace" (sic)

Her words echoed the sentiments of millions who grew up idolizing Dharamji’s unmatched grace.

Allu Arjun wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Legendary actor #Dharmendra ji. A legend who touched millions of hearts . My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans." (sic) 

A Legacy That Will Forever Shine 

Dharmendra was more than the He-Man of Bollywood. He was a symbol of honesty, warmth, and effortless charm - a rare combination that only grows more precious with time. His life wasn’t just a career; it was a gift to cinema and to everyone who crossed his path.

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As Bollywood mourns, the world holds onto what he left behind: films that entertained generations, and feelings that will continue to inspire countless more.

A legend may have departed, but his light will forever glow.