Dharmendra dies at 89: Sunny Deol's son, Karan Deol collects 'He-Man of Bollywood's' ashes from crematorium

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed his grief over the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra. Taking to his X handle, SRK wrote, "Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me… thank u for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers world over. You are immortal… and your soul will live through your films and your beautiful family forever. Love you always (sic)."

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra. Sharing a picture of herself with him from her 2023 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, she wrote, "A legend who lit up every frame... and every heart. You will be missed, Dharam ji, along with a white heart emoji." 

Screengrab taken from Alia Bhatt's Instagram story

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore remembered Dharmendra as a grounded star who never let fame change his true self. Chupke Chupke actress told news agency PTI, "He never forgot his roots and he would talk about it openly. He was, as they say, a man of the earth and he remained very close to his real self. I didn't see any change in him with stardom and popularity." 

In an episode of India TV's Aap Ki Adalat, Dharmendra revealed that he bought a Fiat car early in his career as a 'Plan B'.

Read full story here: 'I'll make this Fiat a taxi': Dharmendra's raw Aap Ki Adalat moment fans are sharing today

Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, who shared screen space with Dharmendra in several films, expressed his grief over the actor's demise. He penned an emotional note and also shared pictures of himself with Dharmendra on his X handle. His X post reads, "Heart broken, pained & deeply saddened by the passing away of our dearest family friend, our elder brother, people's hero, @aapkadharm Most loved, son of the soil, pride of Punjab /Maharashtra a  'Bharat Ratna" in true sense, down to earth, kind & a humble human being. He will be remembered forever for his great  contributions to the film industry/  cinema.  A personality in totality an era of  'He Man/Star' has gone. My first 'Hero' & People's Hero' in the film industry is no more. It is an irreparable & irreplaceable loss to all of us & the entire film industry. Strength to the family, friends, well wishers & fans in these traumatic times. (Om emoji) Shanti (sic)."

Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan paid tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra, sharing a throwback black-and-white picture of him. He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and legendary actor Dharmendra ji. Dharam Ji’s charm, humility and strength of spirit were as real off-screen as on it. Indian cinema has lost one of its kindest icons. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers (sic)."

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez also shared a throwback photo of Dharmendra and penned an heartfelt note. She wrote, "Your journey gave Indian cinema some of its most cherished memories, Sir. Your presence will be missed, but your impact will stay forever May your soul rest in peace (sic)."

Screengrab taken from Jacqueline Fernandez's Instagram story

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta was spotted leaving Dharmendra's residence after paying her condolences to the family.

After Zayed Khan and Sussanne Khan, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was also seen arriving at Dharmendra’s residence to offer her condolences.

Zayed Khan and Sussanne Khan arrived at Dharmendra's residence to stand by the family as they mourned the veteran actor's death.

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman expressed her grief over Dharmendra's death. Sharing throwback pictures on her Instagram handle, she 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. For an introverted personality such as myself, his down to earth demeanour and natural kindness were a warm comfort on set. At times when the pressure, glitz and glam felt horribly garish, there he was with no pretences or guile. A sweet reminder that life is about the real things not the fluff. My heartfelt condolences to his family, may it be of some solace that his legacy is cherished by millions of Indians around the world (sic)."

Rajkummar Rao posted a throwback photo with Dharmendra along with a heart-wrenching note. He penned, "Rest in Peace Legend #Dharmendra sir. Thank you for a lifetime of Films, Warmth and Humanity. You will live in our hearts forever. One of the nicest superstars that I had the fortune of meeting and talking about cinema and life. You will be missed sir Om Shanti."

After Shah Rukh Khan stood by the Deol family at the crematorium, his son Aryan Khan visited the bereaved family at Dharmendra's Juhu bungalow.

Kapil Sharma, who shared a close bond with Dharmendra, wrote in an emotional note that the veteran actor’s death feels like losing his father for the second time.

Cricketer Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Dharmendra. He wrote on X, "Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him. May the family find strength in this tough time. My sincere condolences to the whole family."

"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", wrote Rajinikanth, while condoling Dharmendra's demise.

Kajol visited Gupt co-star Bobby Deol, Sunny Deol, after Dharmendra's passing.

Kajol

Megastar Chiranjeevi posted a photo of Dharmendra and reflected on how warm he was as a person. An excerpt from the superstar's note read: "Sri Dharmji was not only a legendary actor but also a remarkable human being. The humility and warmth I experienced every time I met him deeply touched my heart. I will forever cherish the fond memories and personal moments I shared with him."

He continued, "My heartfelt condolences on his passing. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially my dear friends Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of millions."

Anushka Sharma posted a throwback photo of Dharmendra and condoled his demise. This is what she posted:

Priyanka Chopra penned a heartfelt obituary for Dharmendra, expressing how he and his family welcomed her with open arms when she started her career in the film industry. A part of her note read: "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. My condolences to the entire Deol family. Om Shanti."

A sea of fans gathered outside Dharmendra's house and Vile Parle crematorium to pay their final respects to the veteran actor. Some were also seen putting garlands on his photos.

Bobby Deol was spotted entering Dharmendra's Juhu bungalow after performing his father's last rites with Sunny Deol at Vile Parle crematorium.

Akshay Kumar posted a throwback photo with Dharmendra and wrote, "Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be…our industry’s original He-Man. Thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread. Om Shanti (sic)."

Karan Deol, Dharmendra's grandson and Sunny Deol's son, was seen holding it all together at the funeral.

Karan Deol

Esha Deol was with her mother, Hema Malini. Both appeared before the media with folded hands.

Hema Malini, Esha Deol

Hema Malini, wife of Dharmendra, made her first appearance after the veteran actor's death with folded hands.

Hema Malini

Shah Rukh Khan was one of the first Bollywood stars to visit ailing Dharmendra when he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital. SRK was spotted exiting Vile Parle crematorium after Dharmendra's last rites were performed.

Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol carried out the final rites of their father, Dharmendra, at Vile Parle crematorium.

Dharmendra was his sons' biggest cheerleader. At Sunny Deol's Jaat press conference earlier this year, the veteran actor was seen dancing his heart out, celebrating his son's film. Take a look:

Seated in his car, Sunny Deol was clicked after performing Dharmendra's final rites.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were clicked outside Mumbai's Vile Parle crematorium. For the unversed, Dharmendra played Ranveer's grandfather in the 2023 film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

India TV Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma mourned Dharmendra's passing. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "Today, Indian cinema has lost one of its purest hearts. Dharmendra ji has left us — gently, gracefully —just as he lived. He was strength without arrogance, fame without noise, a hero who made kindness look heroic and simplicity divine. He will always be around with his films. Souls like Dharam Ji do not leave —they simply become light. @aapkadharam #Dharmendra #DharmendraDeol."

Dharmendra once appeared on India TV's Aap Ki Adalat. When host Rajat Sharma asked him about growing up in a strict household, Dharmendra had smiled while recalling a story from his childhood. He had remembered, “My father was a schoolteacher, imagine how disciplined he must have been. I was very young once, and I felt like sleeping next to him. I asked my mother, and she said, ‘Go, let him sleep.’ But when he made me lie down, he said, ‘Pahaade suna mujhe’ start reciting your multiplication tables. I thought: I came here to sleep, not to die!” Read the full story here.

Jr NTR took to X and wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dharmendra ji… An era he defined can never be replaced and the warmth he brought to Indian cinema will stay with us forever. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire family."

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi condoled Dharmendra's demise on X (formerly Twitter), where he penned a note in Hindi. Take a look:

Kunickaa Sadanand, who was recently evicted from Bigg Boss 19, expressed her deep sorrow after Dharmendra's passing. She even revealed that they had worked in a film together, “I have worked with Dharmendra in a film, and he has been a legend. His contribution to cinema is immense, and his name will remain etched in film history.”

Suniel Shetty paid his tribute to Dharmendra. He posted a throwback photo of the late actor and penned, "Strength wrapped in grace. Stardom wrapped in warmth. Heroism wrapped in a pure heart. Thats the legacy of Dharam Paaji. To the world he was the He-Man. To those who knew him, he was pure warmth. Rest In Power Dharam Paaji."

The President of India condoled Dharmendra's death. The X post read: "The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire young generations of artists. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers."

120 Bahadur actor Farhan Akhtar paid an emotional tribute to Dharmendra. He penned, "A big, big loss to the entire film world. To those who make movies and to those who watch them, Dharam ji will forever remain irreplaceable. Thank you for six decades of entertainment. We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen. 
Deepest condolences to the Deol Family."

Earlier today, Dharmendra's first look from his last film, Ikkis, was released. The veteran actor will be seen playing the father of an immortal soldier. Slated for release on December 25, Ikkis will be his posthumous release. Here's his first look:

PM Narendra Modi offered his condolences. He wrote, "The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti."

Aamir Khan was spotted outside the Vile Parle crematorium, where he came to stand by the Deol family.

Salman Khan, who has had a long-standing association with the Deol family, was clicked at Dharmendra's funeral. He arrived to pay his last respects to the veteran actor.

Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor arrived at Dharmendra's funeral.

Dharmendra would often post about his life and share thought-provoking posts. "Aajkal gham e Dauran se door gham e duniya se door……..apne hi nashe mein jhomta hoon," he wrote in one of his last Instagram posts.

Sunny Deol, Dharmendra's elder son, performed his last rites.

Karan Johar offered his condolences to Dharmendra. He called it the "end of an era". Sharing a throwback photo of the late actor, the film producer wrote, "It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history … but mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry …. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe …. Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… we love you kind Sir…. We will miss you so much…. The heavens are blessed today…. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you…. And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi……OM SHANTI."

The veteran actor's mortal remains have been taken to the crematorium.

Amitabh Bachchan, who was great friends with Dharmendra and had worked with him in Sholay, arrived to offer his condolences. He was accompanied by his son Abhishek Bachchan.

Dharmendra passed away days ahead of his 90th birthday on December 8.