Priyanka Chopra Shares Personal Memories of Dharmendra After his Passing

Bollywood's enduring icon Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, succumbing to age-related ailments after a recent hospital stay at Breach Candy in Mumbai, where he had been treated for respiratory issues before being discharged to recover at home. The news triggered an avalanche of tributes from across the film fraternity and beyond, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing it as the "end of an era," praising Dharmendra's ability to blend charm and depth in roles that captivated generations. 

Global Star Priyanka Chopra Jonas joined the chorus with a poignant Instagram post, sharing a throwback photo from an award function and reflecting on how Dharmendra and his family welcomed her as a newcomer in 2001. "My first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films. One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son. He and his family made me feel welcome in the industry at a time when no one knew me," she wrote, crediting their warmth for easing her transition into Mumbai's competitive landscape. Priyanka emphasized the rarity of such grace toward outsiders, noting her long-standing collaborations with Sunny and Bobby Deol, and called the loss "personal" for many in the industry.

In her tribute, Priyanka lauded Dharmendra's self-made success, stating, "Hailing from a small town with no godfather and big dreams, he managed to make a permanent mark in a tough industry. He filled up a frame with his smile and charisma like only he could. A true-blue Hindi film hero." She concluded with "Rest in paradise, Dharamji. Om Shanti," extending condolences to the Deol family, including Hema Malini, Sunny, Bobby, Esha, and Ahana Deol. The post resonated widely, underscoring Dharmendra's role as a mentor figure who embodied resilience in Bollywood's nepotism-shadowed world.

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Dharmendra's funeral at Pawan Hans Crematorium drew Bollywood's elite, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Deepika Padukone with Ranveer Singh, amid heavy security. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he rose from a Filmfare talent hunt to stardom in over 300 films, from romantic leads in Phool Aur Patthar to the iconic Veeru in Sholay, earning the Padma Bhushan in 2012. His legacy as the "He-Man" of Hindi cinema—marked by raw charisma and versatility—continues to inspire, even as the industry mourns the fading of its golden age icons.

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