Indian cinema icon Dharmendra dies at age 89

Published on Authored by The Free Press Journal

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday (November 24). He was 89.

Actor Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.
Actor Dharmendra. Photo courtesy: www.instagram.com/aapkadharam

An ambulance was spotted outside his residence earlier today. Several celebrities and family members also arrived to pay their last respects to the legendary actor at the Pawan Hans crematorium.

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar penned an emotional note for the last star on Instagram. Along with his photo, Karan expressed gratitude for having got the chance to work with him.

He wrote, “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… he was so loved by everyone in our industry.”

“He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe …. Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … there will always be and one and only DHARAMJI… we love you kind Sir…. We will miss you so much…. The heavens are blessed today…. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you…. And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi……OM SHANTI,” Karan added.

Dharmendra was set to star next Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis. The film also stars megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. It is all set to hit the big screens on December 25.

(The article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Free Press Journal and Connected to India)