A “bonafide legend” of Indian cinema, “an inspiration for generations” and the “original He-Man” is how celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Allu Arjun and Karan Johar, remembered Dharmendra who breathed his last on Monday. The homage-paying legion was led by no less than India’s President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dharmendra, the star who wrote himself into showbiz legend in a 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from ‘Satyakam’ to ‘Sholay’, passed away at the age of 89 yesterday, according to a police statement. However, there has been no confirmation from the family.

Akshay shared a photo of the late cinema star, saying Dharmendra will continue to live on through his movies. “Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be… our industry’s original He-Man, thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live through your movies and the love  you spread. Om shanti,” he wrote on X,  according to PTI, which filed several reports on homage being paid to Dharmendra by people from all walks of life.

“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,” Rajinikanth, who worked with Dharmendra in movies such as ‘Insaaf Kaun Karega’ and ‘Farishtay’, said in a post on X.

Devgn remembered Dharmendra for his “warmth, generosity and presence”. “The industry has lost a legend… and we’ve lost someone who has shaped the very soul of our cinema. Rest in peace Dharam ji, Om Shanti,” he added.

Karan Johar, who directed Dharmendra in his 2023 directorial ‘Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, posted a long note on Instagram.

“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,” the director wrote.

Karan said Dharmendra’s death has left “a gaping hole in the industry”. “He only had immense love and positivity for everyone…  there will always be the 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,” he added.

Arjun uploaded a photo of the late actor on his Instagram story and wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear the passing of legendary actor #Dharmendra ji. A legend who touched millions of hearts. My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a series of pictures on her Instagram handle and captioned them, “Forever in power.” Madhuri Dixit called the actor an “icon who defined grace, strength, and humility.”

Aamir Khan’s production banner shared a note on his production banner, which read, “You’ll forever remain in our hearts. Dharam ji rest in peace. Team AKP.” Farhan Akhtar sent his condolences to the Deol family and said Dharmendra will “forever remain irreplaceable”.

“A big, big loss to the entire film world… Thank you for six decades of entertainment. We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen,” he said.

Manoj Bajpayee said Dharmendra was his parents “favourite and one of my childhood heroes”. “He had a warmth you felt even before he spoke. His dignity, his humour, and the way he carried himself on and off screen left a deep mark on everyone who met him or watched him. Losing him feels personal. His films, his love for people, and the gentle strength he stood for will stay with us,” he posted on Instagram.

Triptii Dimri wrote on her Instagram Stories,” Your Light Lives On.” Ranveer Singh just shared a picture on his Instagram handle with the late actor. Suniel Shetty posted, “Strength wrapped in grace. Stardom wrapped in warmth. Heroism wrapped in a pure heart. Thats the legacy of Dharam Paaji. To the world he was the He-Man. To those who knew him, he was pure warmth.”

Kajol shared a picture of her son Yug alongside the late actor. “The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always . RIP Dharamji .. with love always,” she wrote.

Raveena Tandon called Dharmendra a “man with the golden heart. “Handsomest man on the silver screen,” she wrote. Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee said, “Rest in peace thank you for all the magic you brought to the big screens.”

Varun Dhawan remembered Dharmendra as a “true star, larger than life on screen and just so incredibly kind”. “Feeling so grateful for the time I spent in your presence,” he added.

Sidharth Malhotra said, “Years of memories and magic, on and off screen…thank you for everything, Dharam sir. My thoughts and prayers with the family.” Rashmika Mandanna wrote,” A legend has left us.. Rest easy Dharmendra sir.”

Bhumi Pednekar said Dharmendra’s legacy will remain an “integral part of cultural memory forever”. Rajpal Yadav said, “His journey may have ended, but the love he leaves behind will echo for generations.”

Siddhant Chaturvedi wrote, “Heroes may leave the screen but legends never leave our hearts.”

Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, enjoyed a remarkable six-decade career, featuring in over 300 films and headlining classics such as ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Satyakam’, ‘Anupama’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ and many others. He was widely celebrated for his versatility across action, romance and comedy.

Dharmendra is survived by his wife Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha and Ahana.

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas penned a lengthy note on her social media on Monday as she remembered late Bollywood actor Dharmendra, calling his demise “a big loss for cinema”.

Dharmendra was just different, a man who stayed connected to his roots and never let stardom change his attitude towards people till the very end, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore said, remembering her co-star of classics such as ‘Satyakam’ and ‘Chupke Chupke’.

Tagore has only fond memories of the man behind the star — an affable and cooperative human being who met everyone, whether rich or poor, with the same warmth.

ESG Cancels Shows at IFFI: The State-run Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) on Monday has cancelled all the on-stage programmes of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for a day following the demise of Bollywood legend Dharmendra.

In a statement, the ESG said the screening of the films will continue as a part of the festival, but on-stage events are cancelled for a day.

Politicians’ Homage: Political leaders in Punjab yesterday condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, saying his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the actor, who hailed from a small village in the state, earned a distinguished place in Indian cinema. He prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Dharmendra’s passing is the loss of a shining star from the golden era of cinema. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Dharmendra has left an indelible mark on the film industry through his versatile roles, giving a new perspective to the traditional image of a Bollywood hero.

Union Minister of Mines G Kishan Reddy and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid tribute to veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra. Abdullah described Dharmendra as a “friend of Jammu and Kashmir” who kept his date with the picturesque region through film shoots and holiday trips till 1987-88.

Boxer Remembers Fondly: All that boxer Amit Panghal wanted after winning his first and only Asian Games gold in September 2018 was a meeting with Dharmendra, the iconic film star who he had grown to love, thanks to his father’s adoration for him.

To his surprise, within a day of going public with that wish on September 1, the charismatic superstar responded and invited him to his home. Sometime in mid-November that same year, the two met at Dharmendra’s palatial house in Mumbai to share a warm meal, discuss life and ambition from two different perspectives and make memories that, Panghal says, would last a lifetime.