Bollywood is in mourning as legendary actor Dharmendra, aged 89, passed away on 24 November 2025, leaving a void that many stars say will be impossible to fill. Among the outpouring of grief, Shah Rukh Khan stood out with a deeply emotional tribute, calling Dharmendra a “father figure” and declaring that his legacy is truly immortal.
SRK took to X late on the day of Dharmendra’s passing, writing, “Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me… thank u for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers world over. You are immortal… and your soul will live through your films and your beautiful family forever. Love you always.”
Their bond went beyond the screen. Several reports note that Shah Rukh regularly visited Dharmendra during his final days in the hospital and later joined other industry stalwarts at the cremation to pay his respects. His tribute resonates as deeply personal not just a fellow actor mourning a legend, but a son paying homage to a mentor.
The news of Dharmendra’s death came after a prolonged illness. He had been discharged earlier in November from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was being treated for respiratory issues. According to India Today, his final film, Ikkis, is slated for a posthumous release on December 25, 2025.
Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me… thank u for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers world over. You are immortal… and your soul… pic.twitter.com/Vsxe8C8qVZ
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 24, 2025
Other celebrities joined SRK in expressing their sorrow. Ranveer Singh shared a nostalgic photo with Dharmendra. Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra also posted emotional tributes, recalling Dharmendra’s impact on and off screen.
Political leaders also paid tribute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Dharmendra’s death as the “end of an era,” highlighting his warmth, humility, and towering presence in Indian cinema.
On the personal front, Dharmendra is survived by his family: His wives Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur, and his children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.
Also Read: Inside Shah Rukh Khan’s Emotional Visit to Dharmendra’s Funeral at Pawan Hans Crematorium
Shah Rukh’s words capture exactly what millions of fans feel today that Dharmendra’s spirit will live on through his films, his kindness, and the generations he inspired. In his tribute, SRK didn’t just honor a legend; he celebrated a part of his own soul that Dharmendra helped shape. The “He-Man” of Bollywood may be gone, but his legacy is truly immortal.
