India woke up to heartbreaking news on Monday as legendary actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. His death has left the film industry, political leaders and fans across the country in deep sorrow. Tributes began to pour in soon after the news broke, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being one of the first to express his grief.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt message on X after the death of veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra. In his tribute, he reflected on the actor’s long and memorable journey in Indian cinema and how deeply he influenced generations of movie lovers.

Modi wrote, “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.”

Here is his post:

Dharmendra, whose real name was Dharmendra Singh Deol, breathed his last at his residence on Monday morning. The 89-year-old actor had been dealing with health complications for some time. Earlier this month, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to respiratory issues. He was reportedly under medical care from, before being discharged to continue recovery at home. Despite treatment and constant monitoring, his condition worsened, leading to his demise. His family has not yet released an official statement.

Soon after the news became public, several members of the film fraternity rushed to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai for his last rites. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and other well-known personalities were among the first to arrive.

Dharmendra’s wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol were spotted earlier in the afternoon as preparations for the final rituals began. The atmosphere outside the crematorium remained emotional, with fans gathering to catch a final glimpse of the star they adored for decades.

Dharmendra leaves behind a rich legacy built over six decades, filled with unforgettable films, iconic characters and immense love from audiences. His contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched, and his passing is being mourned as a major loss for the industry.

President Droupadi Murmu also posted her condolences for the veteran actor, check out her post here:

“That people from famous households of filmy families have it easy. I don’t think so. First of all, I hate it when people think that anyone has it easy. I think everyone is fighting their own battles in their own zone,” Meezaan shared.

He explained that no matter how big a star someone becomes, the pressure only grows. “Today, a superstar will have his own troubles because he has to maintain his superstardom. He has to continue giving blockbusters. So he is more stressed about that.”

Meezaan also admitted that people often hold on to misconceptions about actors from film families, and changing those opinions is not always possible. Instead of trying to control how others see him, he chooses to focus on his work.

“In my case, I don’t know what kind of misconceptions people have as well. But I don’t try to think about them. No matter what, people will have misconceptions. No matter what I say, people are not going to change their mind,” he said.

For him, the only way forward is consistency and growth. “I just have to keep my head down and I have to just keep working and prove myself over time. People should realise that I am hardworking. They should realise that I am a good actor and performing well. I think that will only come over time when they see my work.”

His words offer a grounded, realistic view of a journey often glamorised from the outside. Behind the spotlight lies dedication, patience, and the quiet determination to build an identity beyond a surname.

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