Mumbai, Monday — Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has arrived at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle to pay his last respects to legendary actor Dharmendra, whose demise at the age of 89 has left the film industry and millions of admirers heartbroken. The atmosphere outside the cremation ground remains sombre as members of the Hindi film fraternity continue to gather in large numbers for the final rites.
Salman Khan, who shared a deeply personal bond with Dharmendra, was often referred to by the late icon as “mera teesra beta.” Fans on social media are widely sharing a throwback video where Dharmendra affectionately says, “Salman mera teesra beta hai… yeh mujhpe gaya hai.” Their relationship, built on warmth, love and mutual respect, remains one of Bollywood’s most cherished off-screen bonds.
#WATCH | Actor Salman Khan arrives at Vile Parle Crematorium in Mumbai. An official statement from veteran actor Dharmendra's family is awaited.
In a social media post, film director Karan Johar has penned an emotional note for veteran actor Dharmendra. pic.twitter.com/fN7ovVt9DO
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025
Who has arrived so far
Salman Khan joins an ever-growing list of prominent film personalities who have already reached the crematorium or visited Dharmendra’s residence earlier today. Among those present are:
• Sanjay Dutt, who arrived earlier at Pawan Hans Crematorium, visibly emotional.
• Hema Malini, who reached the cremation ground earlier in the day to pay her final respects.
• Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, who rushed immediately to stand with the family.
• Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, overseeing arrangements since morning as crowds swelled outside.
• Film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, one of the earliest from the industry to reach the crematorium.
The gathering reflects the immense respect Dharmendra commanded across generations.
Earlier: Heavy concern at Juhu residence
Earlier in the morning, an ambulance was seen outside Dharmendra’s Juhu residence, triggering concern among fans and residents. Within hours, the heartbreaking confirmation of his passing led to an outpouring of grief nationwide.
Family statement awaited
An official statement from Dharmendra’s family—on the cause of death and details of the final rituals—remains awaited.
Karan Johar’s emotional tribute
Filmmaker Karan Johar shared a deeply heartfelt message on Instagram moments after the news broke, calling the actor:
“A massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence… a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… but mostly the best human being. His blessings, his hug and his warmth will be missed more than words can describe.”
The tribute resonated strongly across the industry as fans, actors, and colleagues echoed Karan’s sentiment.
Dharmendra — the irreplaceable ‘Dharam Paaji’
Fondly called ‘He-Man of Bollywood’, ‘Garam Dharam’, and ‘Dharam Paaji’, Dharmendra leaves behind a towering legacy spanning over six decades. From Sholay to Phool Aur Patthar, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, Dream Girl and countless others, his influence on Hindi cinema is unmatched.
As proceedings continue at Pawan Hans Crematorium, tributes from across India and around the world pour in for the beloved star whose warmth, humility, and cinematic brilliance made him a legend for all time.
