President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Chief Ministers of several states on Monday paid tributes to Dharmendra.
“The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema,” the president said.
As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire young generations of artists, she said, and offered “heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers”.
The film star had forayed into politics in the early 2000s and successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner as a BJP candidate in 2004.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Dharmendra as an iconic film personality and a phenomenal actor, whose death marked the end of an era in Indian cinema.
“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 Prime Minister said in a social media post.
Modi said the manner in which Dharmendra 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,” the Prime Minister said.
Home Minister Shah condoled the death of veteran actor, terming it an “irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world”. In a social media message, Shah said that coming from an ordinary family, Dharmendra carved an indelible identity for himself in the film industry.
“The passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades with his finest acting, is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world,” Shah wrote.
Dharmendra was one of those rare actors who brought every character he touched to life, and through this very art, he won the hearts of millions of viewers across all age groups, he said.
“Through his acting, he will forever remain among us. May God grant a place at His sacred feet to the noble soul and bestow strength upon his family and admirers to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” the home minister said in the post.
BJP president JP Nadda said, “The demise of the renowned film actor Dharmendra ji is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema and the art world.”
The BJP chief emphasised that Dharmendra left an indelible mark on the hearts of cinema lovers through his impactful acting, adding that with his simplicity and vibrant performances, the late star ruled the hearts of art lovers in the country and the world for decades.
“In this difficult time, my deepest condolences are with the grieving family and his fans. I pray to God that the departed soul finds a place at His divine feet and grants strength to the bereaved family to bear this sorrow,” Nadda said.
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi also condoled the passing of the veteran actor. “The Indian film world has lost a precious star today. The renowned actor Dharmendra is no longer with us. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra reigned over the hearts of cinema lovers for decades and left a deep impression with his unparalleled acting and simple life,” Congress president Kharge said in a post in Hindi. He added that Dharmendra’s passing marked the end of an era.
“In this hour of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and millions of fans. May God grant peace to his soul,” Khrage said.
In a post, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, termed the news of the demise of Dharmendra extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the Indian art world.
“His unparalleled contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra ji. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with his bereaved family, friends, and fans,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the news of the passing of Padma Bhushan awardee Dharmendra extremely heartbreaking.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The news of the passing of renowned actor and former Member of Parliament, Shri Dharmendra Ji, is deeply saddening. Today, Indian cinema has lost an immortal icon, a simple personality, and an artist beloved by generations,” she said in a post in Hindi.
His contribution was not limited to acting only, he gave life to the emotions, struggles and sentiments of Indian society on screen, she said.
“May God give peace to the departed soul and give strength to his family and fans to bear this grief. Om Shanti,” she added in the post.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply saddened” by the demise of the “legendary actor-hero”, adding that his immense contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations.
She extended her “heartfelt condolences” to the actor’s family, the film fraternity, and his countless fans and followers. Banerjee also said that Hema Malini, along with the actor’s sons and daughters, would now carry forward his rich legacy.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of legendary actor Shri Dharmendra ji. He captivated audiences for decades with his versatile performances and charismatic presence. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artistes and cinema lovers. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May his noble soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Majhi said in a post.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “The passing away of the popular film actor Dharmendra Ji is extremely tragic and an irreparable loss to the world of art and cinema. Humble tribute to him!”
“I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed soul attains eternal peace and grants strength to the grieving family and his fans to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!” the Chief Minister added.