The Indian film industry is grieving the loss of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89. As heartfelt tributes continue to pour in from across the nation, his longtime friend and fellow actor Shatrughan Sinha shared an emotional message honouring the legendary star.

Sinha posted a series of nostalgic photographs on X, showcasing moments from their long association—stills from their films together, snapshots from award ceremonies, and several rare, unseen images. In his tribute, he wrote, “Heartbroken, pained and deeply saddened by the passing away of our dearest family friend, our elder brother, people’s hero, @aapkadharm.” He went on to describe Dharmendra as “the most loved son of the soil, the pride of Punjab and Maharashtra, a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense—down-to-earth, kind and humble. He will be remembered forever for his immense contributions to Indian cinema.”

Reflecting on his personal bond with the late actor, Sinha added, “A personality in totality, an era of a true ‘He-Man’ and superstar has ended. My first hero and the people’s hero is no more. It is an irreparable and irreplaceable loss to us and the entire industry. Strength to the family, friends, well-wishers and fans in these traumatic times. Om Shanti.”

Heart broken, pained & deeply saddened by the passing away of our dearest family friend, our elder brother, people's hero, @aapkadharm Most loved, son of the soil, pride of Punjab /Maharashtra a 'Bharat Ratna" in true sense, down to earth, kind & a
humble human being. He will… pic.twitter.com/MKvkoVFFhd

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) November 24, 2025

Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha shared a warm friendship and collaborated on several films over the years, including Aag Hi Aag, Zalzala, Hum Se Na Takrana, Blackmail, and Laha. Sinha revealed that he had recently visited Dharmendra, who appeared cheerful despite his illness. “He looked handsome and radiant even when unwell. We thought he would recover,” Sinha said, recalling his hope that the actor’s condition would improve.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt’s Emotional Note for Dharmendra Will Give You Goosebumps

Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to health complications. Though discharged, reports suggested he was later placed on a ventilator after experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite signs of improvement, the iconic actor passed away on November 24. His final appearance will be in the upcoming film Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, scheduled for release on December 25.

After weeks of rumours, exits, and speculation, Spirit finally moved forward as director Sandeep Reddy Vanga launched the film with a grand muhurat ceremony in Hyderabad on Sunday. What fans did not anticipate, however, was the sudden surge of fresh excitement that followed—sparked by strong reports claiming that Ranbir Kapoor will appear in a special cameo in the Prabhas-led film.

The project commenced its first schedule with a traditional, star-studded launch event, graced by megastar Chiranjeevi, who attended as the chief guest. Photos from the ceremony showed Vanga and the team offering prayers before officially beginning work on one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year.

According to a Deccan Chronicle report, Ranbir Kapoor—who previously delivered a massive hit with Vanga in Animal—will feature in Spirit at a key turning point in the narrative. The cameo is being described as “historic,” as it would mark the first time Ranbir and Prabhas appear together on screen. A source quoted in the report said, “Ranbir will come into the picture at a crucial juncture of the storytelling. It will be a turning point in the plot and a historic moment in Indian cinema since he has never shared screen space with Prabhas.” The possibility of two major stars uniting under Vanga’s direction has already set social media buzzing.

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A post shared by Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@sandeepreddy.vanga)

The muhurat ceremony itself was memorable, with Chiranjeevi performing the traditional clap. Vanga later expressed gratitude, writing, “Heartfelt thank you to our MEGASTAR CHIRANJEEVI sir for blessing the event. Your gesture is unforgettable.”

Triptii Dimri, who replaced Deepika Padukone as the female lead, was in attendance, joining a cast that includes Prabhas, Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj, and Kanchana. Although Prabhas was absent from the muhurat, Vanga shared a photo of him holding the clapboard, telling fans it was enough to “excite” them.

Spirit has made headlines for months, especially after Deepika Padukone’s exit, reportedly due to disagreements over an eight-hour workday. She later stepped away from Kalki 2898 AD 2 as well, keeping her departure in the spotlight.

Veteran actor Dharmendra’s passing has plunged the film industry, his fans, and his family into deep mourning. Legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, and many others expressed their grief through heartfelt tributes on social media. Among them, Alia Bhatt paid a touching homage, recalling her experience working with him in Karan Johar’s 2023 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. She shared a still from the film featuring the two of them, and wrote on her Instagram Stories: “A legend who lit up every frame … and every heart. You will be missed, Dharam ji.”

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh was seen at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai on Wednesday to attend Dharmendra’s last rites.

Director Karan Johar, who helmed Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, also shared an emotional tribute. Posting a photograph of Dharmendra, he wrote: “It is an end of an ERA … a massive mega star … the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema … incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide legend of Indian cinema … defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history … but mostly he was the best human being … he was so loved by everyone in our industry.”

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Pens Poetic Tribute to Dharmendra, Calling Him “Immortal”

Johar continued: “He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe … Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI … we love you kind Sir … We will miss you so much … The heavens are blessed today … It will always be my blessing to have worked with you … And my heart says with respect, reverence and love … Abhi Na Jaao Chhodke … Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahi … OM SHANTI.”

Dharmendra’s towering legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and cinema lovers across the world.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana left fans taken aback on Monday (November 24) after quietly removing all her wedding-related posts from social media. The unexpected move came just a day after her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal was put on hold following a sudden medical emergency involving her father, Shriniwas Mandhana. The decision drew immediate attention because pre-wedding festivities were already underway in Sangli, with several teammates actively involved. According to sources quoted by the Times of India, the deletion of posts followed “an unexpected turn of events within the family.”

Reports suggest that Smriti’s father fell seriously ill on Sunday (November 23) morning and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Around the same time, her fiancé Palash Muchhal was also admitted for treatment due to a viral infection, although he has since been discharged. With both families facing simultaneous health scares, all celebrations were abruptly paused.

Adding to the speculation, teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil also removed the engagement announcement video from their profiles. However, fans found some reassurance in the fact that Smriti’s older personal photographs with Palash remain on her Instagram, hinting that the relationship itself is not under strain.

Smriti’s manager, Tuhin Mishra, later issued a clarification confirming that the November 23 wedding has been postponed indefinitely. He explained that Smriti was unwilling to proceed while her father remained hospitalised. Deeply close to him, she wanted his health to stabilise before considering any further celebrations. Although the family initially hoped his condition would improve within hours, it reportedly worsened, prompting an immediate halt to all events.

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Also Read: Smriti Mandhana’s Wedding Plans Hit a Snag as Palash Muchhal Gets Hospitalized

Meanwhile, Palash’s sister, singer Palak Muchhal, requested fans to remain sensitive and avoid speculation. She reiterated that the postponement was solely due to Smriti’s father’s health.

The wedding had been planned as an intimate ceremony with close relatives and members of India’s Women’s World Cup-winning squad. Many guests had already reached Sangli when the emergency unfolded. No new date has been announced, as both families remain focused on Shriniwas Mandhana’s recovery.

The death of veteran actor Dharmendra has left an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema, and tributes continue to pour in from across the world. Among the many emotional messages shared by colleagues and admirers, Priyanka Chopra’s heartfelt note stands out for its personal depth and warmth. Taking to social media, she shared a throwback picture of Dharmendra along with an image of herself posing beside him, reminiscing about the early days of her career and the kindness she received from the Deol family.

Priyanka began her tribute by recalling how her association with Dharmendra dates back to the very start of her journey in Hindi films. “In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films,” she wrote, referring to the production house owned by the legendary actor. She revealed that one of her first Hindi films was made under his banner and that Dharmendra and his family extended warmth and support to her when she was new to Mumbai. “Very few people are capable of that kind of warmth and grace towards a complete newcomer who didn’t know anyone in Mumbai,” she reflected.

Her bond with the Deols only strengthened over the years, as she worked in multiple films with Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Calling the loss “personal,” she added that many people around the world shared that same sentiment. Priyanka described Dharmendra as someone whose presence was magnetic, someone who lit up the screen with his smile and charisma. “Some people leave behind films, some leave behind feelings. He has left us with both,” she wrote, emphasizing the permanence of his legacy.

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Reflecting on how Dharmendra’s journey continues to inspire millions, Priyanka shared that she was typing her note from a film set, thinking about how his story resonates with so many dreamers. “Hailing from a small town with no godfather and big dreams… he made a permanent mark in a tough industry, and he carried his family along,” she said, calling him the epitome of a “true-blue Hindi film hero.”

She concluded her message with a prayerful farewell: “Rest in paradise, Dharamji. My condolences to the entire Deol family. Om Shanti.”

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Praises Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Calls Them ‘Legends’

Dharmendra had recently been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital after treatment for breathlessness and was under home care when his condition worsened. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through unforgettable performances in classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dream Girl, Dharam Veer, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh—films that continue to shape the landscape of Hindi cinema.

The Hindi film industry is reeling following the news of veteran actor Dharmendra’s death at the age of 89, with heartfelt condolences pouring in from across the nation. Although the Deol family has not yet issued an official public statement, Bollywood’s biggest names have taken to social media to express their grief.

Mahesh Babu, one of the leading actors of South Indian cinema, shared a poignant message via X: “Cinema has lost one of its strongest voices today… Rest in peace, Dharmendra Deol Sir. The honesty and weight you brought to every character across generations and eras will continue to inspire us always…. Praying for strength and courage to his family during this difficult time…”

Cinema has lost one of its strongest voices today… Rest in peace Dharmendra Deol Sir. The honesty and weight you brought to every character across generations and eras will continue to inspire us always….Praying for strength and courage to his family during this difficult…

— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) November 24, 2025

Ravi Teja, another prominent face from Telugu cinema, expressed his pain:
“Dharmendra ji was one of the warmest, most genuine souls I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema, and we have lost a legend with a golden heart. My deepest condolences to his family during this painful time.”

Dharmendra ji was one of the warmest, most genuine souls I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.

His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema, and we have lost a legend with a golden heart.

My deepest condolences to his family during this painful time.

— Ravi Teja (@RaviTeja_offl) November 24, 2025

The veteran actor had been under medical care at home after being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been admitted for breathing difficulties. Though early reports indicated some improvement post-discharge, his health reportedly deteriorated, leading to his passing.

Earlier in the day, an ambulance was seen leaving Dharmendra’s Juhu residence. His final rites were conducted at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, with family and close friends in attendance. Among them were his wife Hema Malini, daughter Esha Deol, and son Sunny Deol, all visibly emotional as they paid their last respects. Also present were Bollywood heavyweights like Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, dressed in white – a mark of mourning in their culture.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Praises Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Calls Them ‘Legends’

As the film fraternity and fans alike reflect on Dharmendra’s legacy, many agree that his death truly signals the “end of an era” in Indian cinema.

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.