India Bids FarewellTo ‘Most Handsome’ Actor

After a brief illness, veteran movie star Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning at his Mumbai home. He was eighty-nine. On December 8, 2025, Dharmendra passed away just days before turning 90. The Pawan Hans Crematory conducted his final rites. On October 31, Dharmendra complained of dyspnea and was hospitalized to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

Amidst strict security, a number of celebrities, including Dharmendra’s second wife Hema Malini, co-stars Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan, and other performers including Sanjay Dutt and Aamir Khan, attended the actor’s funeral.

Political figures from all parties expressed their sympathies for the actor on social media, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Congressman Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Dharmendra’s final big-screen role will be in Sriram Raghavan’s much awaited military thriller Ikkis. The Hindi movie, which stars Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. To pay their last respects to Dharmendra, a number of famous people showed up at the Juhu Crematorium. Many people visited the crematorium grounds to say goodbye to the renowned actor, including Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Govinda.

Rajinikanth, who shared screen space with Dharmendra in the 1987 action film Insaaf Kaun Karega, wrote on X, “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.”

Priyanka Chopra paid a heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra, recalling how the legendary actor and his family were among the first to welcome her into the Hindi film industry.

Taking to her Instagram handle, she wrote, “In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films. One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son. Him and his family, made me feel welcome in the industry, at a time when no one knew me. Very few people are capable of that kind of warmth and grace, towards a complete newcomer, who didn’t know anyone in Mumbai.”

Remembering Dharmendra and his legacy, Anil Kapoor wrote on X, “Dharam ji was hard to capture in one sentence…Hero, Father, the OG Punjabi, a man who was as keenly emotional as he was mischievous, larger than life but also relatably human…”

Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, stated that Dharmendra was a cherished icon for millions who enriched Indian cinema.

He wrote on X, “The demise of former Member of Parliament and veteran actor Shri Dharmendra Ji 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. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and innumerable admirers. Om Shanti.”