Bollywood actors Dharmendra (left) and Amitabh Bachchan. file | Photo courtesy: AFP
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday (November 25, 2025) condoled the death of his friend and co-star in classic films like “Sholay” and “Chupke Chupke”, saying Dharmendra remained immaculate in the fraternity that saw changes in every decade during his illustrious career.
Dharmendra, 89, died at his Juhu home on Monday (November 24, 2025) after prolonged illness.
Bachchan wrote about Dharmendra, “…another brave legend has left us…left the field…leaving behind him a silence with an unbearable sound.”
Mr Bachchan attended the actor’s funeral along with his grandson Agastya Nanda and son Abhishek Bachchan. Nanda plays Dharmendra’s son in the yet-to-be-released film “Ikkis”, which is possibly the late actor’s last film role.
“Dharam ji.. epitomized greatness, not only for his renowned physical presence, but also for the largeness of his heart and its sweetest simplicity.. He brought with him the earthy sweetness of the village in Punjab from which he came, and remained true to its nature.. throughout his illustrious career without any trace of dirt, in a fraternity that saw changes in every decade.. The fraternity brought changes.. He did not,” Mr Bachchan wrote a post in his official blog.
In pictures: Iconic moments from Dharmendra’s life
Dharmendra ruled Hindi cinema in the 1960s-1980s. In this picture, actor ‘Pocket Maar’ is seen with Saira Banu. The story is that this 1974 film was in the making for 4 years. Hindu Archives
A young Dharmendra in the early 1960s. Considered a rising star, the actor’s first few major releases were ‘Anpadh’ and ‘Bandini’. Hindu Archives
Dharmendra and Hema Malini were a hit pair in their initial days. Hindu Archives
Stylish actor in the espionage thriller ‘Kheemat’ (1973). The success of the film restored Dharmendra’s reputation as a bankable star. Hindu Archives
A scene from ‘Chupke Chupke’. The 1975 romantic comedy starred Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Om Prakash and Jaya Bachchan. Hindu Archives
A scene from ‘Aas Paas’ (1981). The film featured a recorded song by legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi. Hindu Archives
With Shatrughan Sinha in Vijay Anand’s underrated ‘Blackmail’ (1973).
Rakhi debuted with ‘Jeevan Mrityu’. This film produced by Tarachand Barjatya was a huge hit. Hindu Archives
Two powerhouse talents in one frame. With Sanjeev Kumar in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Satyakaam’ (1969). Hindu Archives
In the 1962 hit ‘Anpadh’, whose evergreen song is ‘Aapki Nazaron Ne Samjha’. Hindu Archives
With Amitabh Bachchan in the cult-classic ‘Sholay’. The song ‘Yeh Dosti’ is an evergreen number that celebrates friendship. Hindu Archives
Dharmendra in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Guddi’, which marked Jaya Bachchan’s Hindi debut. Hindu Archives
A poster of Dharmendra’s ‘Haqiqat’. Chetan Anand’s 1964 war drama received praise for its action sequences. Hindu Archives
Dharmendra with son Bobby and Sunny Deol (left). Hindu Archives
Dharmendra with Javed Akhtar, who has written many hit stories for the superstar including ‘Sholay’ (1975). archive
With a family. Dharmendra with wife Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. Hindu Archives
When giants meet. Dharmendra, Yash Chopra, Shatrughan Sinha and Saira Banu celebrated Dilip Kumar’s birthday. Hindu Archives
When this veteran danced with the young stars of Bollywood. A light moment with Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Shahrukh Khan. Hindu Archives
Received the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Pratibha Patil in 2012. The Hindu Archives
Dharmendra with evergreen star Dev Anand. The duo starred in ‘Return of the Jewel Thief’ (1997), the sequel to Anand’s cult-classic ‘Jewel Thief’ (1967). Hindu Archives.
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Mr Bachchan said Dharmendra’s “smile, his charm and his warmth” extend to everyone he comes around, which, according to the megastar, is rare in the profession.
Mr Bachchan wrote, “The air around us is empty… a void that will always remain empty… prayers.”
published – November 25, 2025 09:18 am IST