From Saira Banu, Shah Rukh Khan to Amitabh Bachchan: How B-town paid emotional tribute to the evergreen Dharmendra

A part of her note read: The demise of Dharam ji feels as though a chapter of our shared cinematic and personal history has gently closed its pages, leaving behind a warmth that is rare to find in today’s hurried times. For me, the loss is not merely of a colleague, but he was my dear Yousuf Sahib’s “Dharam”.

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.

On his personal blog, Bachchan wrote an emotional tribute, describing Dharmendra as “a valiant Giant” whose absence has created an irreplaceable void. “Another valiant Giant has left us left the arena leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound,” he wrote. He reflected on how Dharmendra remained grounded despite decades of fame. “He brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament, unsoiled throughout his glorious career, in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade. The fraternity underwent changes not him.”

Paying tribute to Dharmendra, Akshay Kumar shared a picture with him on his Instagram stories. He 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."

After Dharmendra's demise, Anil Kapoor took to Instagram to pay tribute to the legend. He called him, "Hero, Father, the OG Punjabi, A man who was as keenly emotional as he was mischievous, larger than life but also relatably human," he further wrote about the OG He-Man. Even as he moved on from this world, he left us with the strength to carry on. Indian cinema will never be the same, but it will stay strong as if to pay tribute to his life and journey," the tribute further read.

Hearing the news about Dharmendra's death, actor Anupam Kher posted a video, calling him "The kindest man ever". He wrote, "Dharamji was undoubtedly the warmest and kindest man in the Indian Film Industry! He was the epitome of goodness. He was called a #HEMAN but undoubtedly with the softest and the most generous heart. His large-heartedness was legendary! He was a fantastic actor with an amazing range of emotions! But when people talk more about a person's wonderful nature than his acting, then that means the person will become folklore in the coming years! We will miss you #DharamJi! You will always remain the BESTEST! Om Shanti," his tribute read.

A part of his note read: “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.”

Remembering signing her for one of the first Hindi movies under Dharmendra's banner, Priyanka Chopra shared, "He and his family made me feel welcome in the industry, at a time when no one knew me."

Rajkummar Rao paid tribute to Hindi cinema legend Dharmendra. He wrote, "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."

Ranveer Singh was a huge fan of Dharmendra. Together they starred in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023). Dharmendra played the role of Ranveer's grandfather. Paying tribute to the legend today, the Dhurandhar actor shared a picture with him from the sets of their film.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra paid tribute to Dharmendra and wrote, "Years of memories and magic, on and off screen... thank you, for everything, Dharam sir. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Om Shanti.!

Honouring Dharmendra, Sushmita Sen wrote, "A legend, yes, but what an incredible human being!!! He touched lives like a blessing. His hugs, laughter, kindness & immense goodness…all so contagious & life-affirming!!!" "The sheer joy on my face in the pictures with him tells you the energy he embodied…and shared with such generosity. There are few who leave the world more beautiful than the way they found it… I feel so grateful that I got to witness that grace through you, Dharam ji," the tribute read.