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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD DECEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 40

DHARMENDRA

Bollywood Bids Farewell to Legacy of He-Man

and an Celebrates His Cinematic Journey

From family, friends and colleagues to an entire industry, Bollywood gathered in Mumbai to honor the

extraordinary life of Dharmendra, the beloved ‘He-Man’ whose six-decade legacy shaped Indian cinema.

OUR BUREAU ing tribute at the 56th Internation-
al Film Festival of India (IFFI) in
Mumbai
Goa. During a session on “50 Years
hen legendary actor Dhar- of Sholay,” filmmaker Ramesh Sip-
mendra passed away on py grew emotional while recounting
WNovember 24 at the age of Dharmendra’s dedication on set.
89, India didn’t just lose a film star Recalling a moment when a saddle
— it lost an era. The outpouring of slipped during a horse-riding scene,
grief that followed, from fans, film- causing the actor to fall, Sippy said,
makers and fellow actors, reflected “My heart stopped, but Dharam ji just
the profound cultural imprint he left stood up, dusted himself off, and was
behind through more than 300 films, ready to go again.” It was a remind-
countless iconic characters, and a ca- er of the actor’s fearless, spirited
reer defined by warmth, humility and approach to filmmaking — a qual-
unparalleled versatility. This week in ity that made his performances in
Mumbai, Bollywood came together Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Aya Sawan
to celebrate that extraordinary life. Jhoom Ke, Anupama and countless
The Deol family — sons Sunny others so timeless.
and Bobby, grandsons Karan and Dharmendra’s cinematic bril-
Aryaman, and nephew Abhay Deol liance lay in his refusal to be boxed
— hosted a prayer meet titled ‘Cele- into one genre. He moved seam-
bration of Life’ at Taj Lands End in lessly from action to comedy, from
Bandra. The gathering, emotional romance to social dramas. Whether
yet dignified, brought together some playing the rugged hero, the poetic
of the biggest names in Indian cin- lover or the comic lead, he carried a
ema. Dressed in white, Sunny and natural charm that made audiences
Bobby greeted guests with folded believe in every character he por-
hands, fighting back tears as they trayed. His mass appeal was matched
thanked the fraternity and fans for by critical appreciation, placing him
their support. A live musical tribute among the rare few who could dom-
filled the venue, echoing the melo- inate the box office and win hearts
dies that once carried Dharmendra’s with equal ease.
unforgettable on-screen romances The Deol family — including his
and dramatic crescendos. first wife Prakash Kaur, his second
The turnout reflected the mag- wife Hema Malini, and his six chil-
nitude of Dharmendra’s legacy. dren — now carry forward a legacy
Salman Khan, Rekha, Madhuri of an era,” praising his simplicity, his protectiveness toward co-stars, rooted not just in fame but in values:
Dixit, Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya depth and ability to touch audienc- and his ability to turn even intense humility, perseverance and integrity.
Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan es across generations. Shah Rukh shoots into moments of warmth are Even in his final days, as his health
Johar, Tabu, Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan remembered Dharmendra as now part of industry folklore. declined and he was briefly hospital-
Khan, Rajinikanth, Ranveer Singh a father figure who showered him Earlier, at his cremation at the ized earlier this month, Dharmendra
and Deepika Padukone were among with unconditional affection and Pawan Hans Crematorium, there chose to spend his last moments at
the sea of stars who arrived to offer guidance. Rajinikanth called him a was a similar display of unity across home, surrounded by family.
condolences. Industry veterans like “golden-hearted friend,” while Ka- Bollywood. Amitabh Bachchan, As Bollywood mourns, it also
Subhash Ghai, Saira Banu, Mahima mal Haasan spoke of his humility Saira Banu, Sanjay Dutt, Zayed celebrates. Dharmendra’s journey —
Chaudhry, Mukesh Khanna, Anu and strength of spirit. Khan, Govinda, Siddharth Roy Ka- from a hopeful young man arriving
Malik, Sonu Nigam, and Jackie These tributes were not mere for- pur, and filmmaker Rajkumar San- in Bombay to one of the most cher-
Shroff also marked their presence, malities — they captured the essence toshi were among those who paid ished actors in Indian history — is
each carrying decades of memories of Dharmendra’s persona. Despite their last respects. The sight of mul- now a part of the nation’s collective
connected to the actor. superstardom, he remained ground- tiple generations — from veterans memory. His films will continue to
On social media, tributes poured ed, approachable and deeply affec- to today’s superstars — underscored echo across generations; his warmth
in with unprecedented emotional tionate, often disarming colleagues Dharmendra’s multi-decade reso- will linger in countless stories; and
intensity. Prime Minister Narendra with his humor and lack of pretense. nance. his legacy will remain etched in the
Modi called his passing “the end Stories of his camaraderie on sets, His legacy also received a glow- soul of Hindi cinema.

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