Nation mourns demise; Prez Murmu, PM Modi lead tributes to veteran actor
STATE TIMES NEWS
MUMBAI: Dharmendra, one of India’s most enduring stars who sparkled bright right through a remarkable 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from “Satyakam” to “Sholay” died here on Monday days ahead of his 90th birthday.
The much loved actor, who lived most of his life in the blazing arclights of publicity, was cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai’s Ville Parle suburb quietly and with little fuss. Till the end – and even after that – his family made no comment on his death.
Dharmendra, who would have turned 90 on December 8, had not been keeping well for a while and was in and out of hospital. Finally, on November 12, a day after several media houses reported his death and his furious family requested privacy, he was discharged and taken to his Juhu home where he breathed his last. With the family maintaining silence, the camera crews and others posted outside his residence picked up cues from an ambulance and several cars seen driving out of the gates.
A little later, his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, as well as industry colleagues Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and his father Salim Khan, were spotted at the crematorium.
Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff and Shabana Azmi also attended the last rites.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes for the veteran actor, who more than anybody else perhaps embodied goodness and wholesomeness through his many films in which he played the romantic hero, the brawny man who beat up the baddies and the comic actor with equal finesse.
“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,” the president said. “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,” she said.
PM Modi said Dharmendra’s death 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,” PM Modi posted on X.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said it is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema. “A cherished icon for millions, he enriched the canvas of Indian cinema through his remarkable performances and steadfast dedication to his art. As one of the most admired figures in our film industry, he leaves behind a timeless legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artistes,” he said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, several Union ministers including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and leaders of opposition in both houses of Parliament, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, besides several chief ministers, expressed condolences.
Shah said coming from an ordinary family, Dharmendra carved an indelible identity for himself in the film industry.
“The passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades with his finest acting, is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world,” Shah said on X, adding that through his acting, he will forever remain among us.
Union minister and BJP president J P Nadda said Dharmendra left an indelible mark on the hearts of cinema lovers through his impactful acting. With his simplicity and vibrant performances, he ruled the hearts of art lovers in the country and the world for decades, he noted.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era, while Rahul Gandhi termed it an irreparable loss for the Indian art world.
“The Indian film world has lost a precious star today. The renowned actor Dharmendra is no longer with us. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra reigned over the hearts of cinema lovers for decades and left a deep impression with his unparalleled acting and simple life,” Kharge said on X.
Rahul Gandhi said, “His unparalleled contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra ji.”.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations.
“Hema Malini ji, his sons and daughters will carry his rich legacy now,” Banerjee wrote on X while expressing her condolences.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar recalled the actor’s immense contribution to Indian cinema. He said his iconic ‘water tank’ scene in the blockbuster ‘Sholay’ remains an integral part of political protests.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said it is an irreparable loss to the world of art and cinema.
Describing Dharmendra as among the “well-known luminaries” of the Indian film industry, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati said it was “extremely heartbreaking” to hear about his demise.
“Renowned for his affable, empathetic, and cheerful disposition, Dharmendra reigned over the hearts of the film world and film enthusiasts for a very long time,” Mayawati posted on X.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav praised his effortless acting and grounded personality.
“For years, the simple yet captivating personality of Dharmendra ji, grounded in reality, and his effortless acting, which shone brightly in the sky of the country’s cinema, will always be remembered. A heartfelt tribute!” he said in a post on X.
CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby said the veteran actor leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that enriched Indian cinema.
“Across more than six decades, his remarkable performances, unmatched versatility and effortless charm captivated generations of film lovers and left an indelible imprint on our cultural landscape,” he said.
Condolences also poured in from across the film industry, with celebrities such as Saira Banu, Sharmila Tagore, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor mourning the death of the actor fondly known as “Garam Dharam” and India’s first “He Man”.
“He was just different. 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,” Tagore, who worked with Dharmendra in classics such as “Satyakam” and “Chupke Chupke”, told PTI. Banu, who also worked with Dharmendra on several movies including “Aayee Milan Ki Bela”, “Jwaar Bhaata” and “Resham Ki Dori”, said she spoke to the actor earlier this month and he told her not to worry and he will come and visit her soon.
“It’s the saddest day because he is family. I’m shocked. I thought we will celebrate his birthday,” Banu told PTI.
“Dilip sahab considered him like a younger brother. They shared a relationship that went beyond work. We’ve been there for each other in good and bad times. He was one of those rare people who visited Dilip sahab quite often, whether he was in hospital or at home. Sometimes he would come at odd hours as well,” she added.
Johar said Dharmendra was loved by everyone in the industry.
“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… ,” Johar, who directed Dharmendra in 2023’s hit “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, wrote on Instagram.
Akshay shared a photo of the late cinema star, saying Dharmendra will continue to live on through his movies.
“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 through your movies and the love you spread. Om shanti,” he wrote on X.
Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, enjoyed a remarkable six-decade career, featuring in over 300 films and headlining classics such as “Sholay”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Satyakam, “Anupama”, “Seeta Aur Geeta” and many others. Dharmendra is survived by his wife Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha and Ahana.
He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
The actor also played brief innings in politics by winning the Bikaner Lok Sabha seat in 2004 but after just one term, he chose to retire.
Dharmendra remained active till the very end and fans would get to see his performance one last time in Sriram Raghavan-directed “Ikkis”.