PM Modi, Shah condoles demise of veteran actor Dharmendra
New Delhi, Nov 24 :
The film industry lost one of its most loved stars today. The legendary actor Dharmendra, the man who made his fans smile, cry, and fall in love for more than six decades, passed away at the age of 89 on November 24.The actor may have left a deep silence in Indian cinema, but his films and songs will forever remind us of the man he was.For years, Dharmendra was more than just a hero on screen. He was the guy next door, the dependable friend, and the kind of lover who made everything feel larger than life. His songs stayed long even after the film ended.They became a part of people’s stories, played on radios, at family gatherings, or during long drives. Here’s a look at some of his songs that continue to hold a special place in hearts across generations.Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (Blackmail)Sung by Kishore Kumar, this song has a way of taking you back in time. There’s something very real about Dharmendra’s expression that feels like he’s lost in his own thoughts. Even today, “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” plays at weddings or when people just want to sit quietly with their feelings. It’s one of those songs that never loses its place.Yeh Dosti Hum
Bollywood icon
Nahin Todenge (Sholay)What’s the first song that comes to mind when you think of friendship? For most people, it’s ‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge.’ Sung by Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey, this track from ‘Sholay’ is more than just music; it’s also a reminder of what real friendship looks like. Watching Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan as “Veeru” and “Jai,” you could tell it wasn’t just acting. Their bond felt easy, natural, and honest.Dream Girl (Dream Girl)
“Kisi shayar ki ghazal… Dream Girl!” That one line says it all. Watching Dharmendra and Hema Malini together in this song, you understand why they were everyone’s favourite pair. Kishore Kumar’s voice and their natural connection made this song feel honest, full of life and just straight from the heart.Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai (Loafer)There’s a kind of sadness in this song that stays with you. Sung by Mohammed Rafi, it paired Dharmendra with Mumtaz, and together, they made it feel honest. The pain in the music, the look in their eyes, it all connects. This song is one of those that says a lot without needing too many words.Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati (Sholay)Ever tried to cheer someone up after a fight? Then you already understand this song. Watching Veeru trying to make Basanti smile again still makes people laugh. Dharmendra brought the fun and affection to the song that felt close to real life. It’s lighthearted but full of feeling, and maybe that’s why it still works even today.Hum Bewafaa (Shalimar)This song showed a different side of Dharmendra: calm, quiet, and thoughtful. Kishore Kumar’s voice added emotion, but it’s the way Dharmendra carried himself that makes it powerful. You can almost see what he’s feeling, even without dialogue. It’s a simple song, but it cuts deep.Dharmendra may not be with us anymore, but his songs will keep finding their way back into our lives. They’ll play on radios, at weddings, and in quiet moments because they hold pieces of who he was. For fans, his music is more than just nostalgia. And maybe that’s what makes him truly timeless.The final rites of the actor were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium, which was attended by the renowned Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed his profound grief over the passing away of Bollywood superstar Dharmendra.
“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,” PM Modi said on X.
“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,” the tweet further said.
Minutes after the passing away of the veteran superstar, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and superstars Aamir Khan and Salman Khan reached the Pawan Hans crematorium to pay his last respects to actor Dharmendra.
All of them were seen in their cars reaching the crematorium amidst heavy police deployment.
Actors Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan and Zayed Khan, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur were also photographed at the location along with the family of the late actor. Dharmendra passed away on Monday at the age of 89.
The actor, who was earlier admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, was discharged after he showed recovery.
The actor was reportedly put on a ventilator, as he was suffering from breathing difficulties. The actor used to live at his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife, Prakash Kaur.
This marks another demise in the Hindi cinema industry in quick succession. Earlier, actors Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah and advertising legend Piyush Pandey passed away last month.
Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars. He was born in 1935 in Punjab, and began his career in the early 1960s, after he was discovered through a talent hunt competition.
In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, organized a nationwide talent contest to find new faces for Hindi cinema.
He entered the competition and was selected as the winner in 1958, chosen for his striking looks and natural charm. This victory opened the door to the film industry for him.
The same talent hunt would later go on to discover Rajesh Khanna, one of Hindi cinema’s biggest superstars. Dharmendra quickly rose to fame with his charming looks, emotional depth, and effortless screen presence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended condolences to the family of the veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89 on Monday at his residence.Through an X post, Shah remembered the excellence of the late actor, stating that he touched millions of hearts with his charismatic roles and unforgettable characters.”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. Coming from an ordinary family, he carved an indelible identity for himself in the film industry,” Shah wrote.”Dharmendra ji was one of those rare actors who brought every character he touched to life, and through this very art, he won the hearts of millions of viewers across all age groups. Through his acting, he will forever remain among us…May God grant a place at His sacred feet to the noble soul and bestow strength upon his family and admirers to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added.Meanwhile, the ‘He Man’ of Indian Cinema had been unwell for some time. On November 10, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health.Several prominent film personalities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Govinda, visited the hospital to extend their support to the Deol family during this difficult time.Two days later, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital as the family opted for home treatment.”Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital at 7.30 am on November 12.Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.He starred in several iconic films such as Sholay, Dharamveer, Chupke Chupke, Loafer, Jugnu, and Seeta Aur Geeta. He was last seen in ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ in 2024. In the film, he essayed the role of Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather.Even at 89, Dharmendra kept working tirelessly, inspiring generations not only with his craft but also with his discipline and healthy lifestyle.He will always be considered the epitome of romance, action, reinvention and grace for centuries.
