Mumbai: Director-choreographer Farah Khan expressed grief over the death of late actor Dharmendra on Monday.
Farah shared an old photo with the late actor on her Instagram Stories section. She captioned the photo, “May your soul rest in peace, Dharmji. You have brought us so much joy over the years with your performances and your personality! Condolences to the Deol family.”
Dharmendra, who was initially admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, was discharged after his condition improved. He was recovering at his Juhu home. Reports suggest the actor was put on a ventilator due to breathing problems. However, he passed away on Monday.
As soon as the news spread through Bollywood circles, members of the industry paid their last respects. Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan visited the crematorium in Mumbai’s Vile Parle area. Bollywood multi-star Karan Johar remembered the late actor in a social media post. The late actor’s family also reached the crematorium. Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most well-known and beloved stars. Born in Punjab in 1935, he began his career in the early 1960s when he was discovered through a talent hunt competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, organized a nationwide talent contest to find new faces for Hindi cinema.
He participated in the competition and was crowned the winner in 1958 for his striking looks and natural charm. This victory opened the doors of the film industry for him. The same talent hunt later discovered Rajesh Khanna, one of Hindi cinema’s biggest superstars.
Dharmendra quickly gained fame for his charming looks, emotional depth, and ease on screen. His versatile skills allowed him to excel in romance, action, and comedy. Some of his most iconic films include “Phool Aur Patthar,” which established him as a leading actor, and “Sholay,” in which his role as the lovable, humorous Veeru became legendary. Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award.
