End of an Era for Indian Cinema
The world of Indian cinema is in mourning following the death of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra at the age of 89. The news of his passing was confirmed by the Indian news agency IANS, citing the actor's family, prompting an immediate and heartfelt outpouring of grief from across the film industry and beyond.
A Storied Career and Final Days
Fondly known as the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, Dharmendra's health had been a concern in recent weeks. He was released from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on November 12 and was believed to be in a stable condition while recuperating at home. His career, however, was defined by immense strength and longevity.
Across a remarkable 65-year career, Dharmendra became a towering figure in film, appearing in more than 300 movies. This incredible filmography earned him the record for featuring in the greatest number of commercially successful productions in Indian cinema history, a testament to his enduring star power.
An Industry Mourns a 'Hero'
Leading the tributes was prominent filmmaker Karan Johar, who posted a moving statement on social media. He described Dharmendra's death as "the end of an era," celebrating him as "a massive mega star, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema, incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence."
Johar's heartfelt message continued, emphasising the actor's personal warmth: "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, space that can never be filled by anyone."
The flood of condolences extended across social media platforms. Actor NTR Jr wrote on X, formerly Twitter, expressing his deep sadness. "An era he defined can never be replaced and the warmth he brought to Indian cinema will stay with us forever," he stated.
Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan also paid her respects by sharing a poignant throwback photograph of Dharmendra with her late grandfather, Raj Kapoor. She simply captioned the image "Forever in power," a fitting tribute to an actor whose legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
