Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24, at the age of 89. His death has left a huge void in the film industry, and tributes have been pouring in from several Bollywood celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar, Preity Zinta and many others. Now, Amitabh Bachchan has penned an emotional note, mourning his Sholay co-star Dharmendra’s death. Expressing grief over his demise, Big B remembered how despite constant changes in the film industry, Dharmendra always remained grounded and genuine.
He further added that while the film fraternity saw changes every few years, Dharmendra’s warmth, charm and humility remained unchanged. “he brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from , and remained true to its temperament .. un soiled throughout his glorious career , in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade .. … the fraternity underwent changes .. not him .. his smile, his charm and his warmth , extending to all that came in his vicinity .. a rarity in the profession .. .. the air about us swings vacant .. .. a vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus .. .. prayers," wrote Amitabh Bachchan.
Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Agastya Nanda were spotted arriving at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai for Dharmendra’s last rites.
Sholay, starring Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan, released in 1975, and is considered one of the most influential films ever made. Big B had once shared that it was Dharmendra who recommended his name for the film. “I mean, it was because of his insistence that Mr. Ramesh Sippy cast me in that film. I am eternally grateful to you, Dharam ji," he said.
Dharmendra’s Death
Dharmendra breathed his last on November 24, 2025, just days after being discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted for a routine checkup. The actor had complained of breathlessness but was deemed stable enough to continue recovery at home. However, his condition deteriorated unexpectedly on Monday morning, leading to his demise.
Dharmendra was scheduled to celebrate his landmark 90th birthday on December 8, marking a major milestone in a life that has inspired generations of filmgoers and actors. Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, is set to release this December. The biographical war drama also stars Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaideep Ahlawat in lead roles, and is directed by Sriram Raghavan.
Source: News18