Film director Karan Johar has penned a deeply emotional tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away earlier today at the age of 89. Sharing a black-and-white picture of the legendary star on Instagram, Johar called his death “the end of an era,” honouring him as one of the greatest icons Indian cinema has ever known.
In his heartfelt note, Johar 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.”
Remembering Dharmendra not just as an actor but as a human being, Johar added that he was deeply loved by everyone in the industry. “He was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone… 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,” he wrote.
The filmmaker reflected on the irreplaceable void the veteran star leaves behind, saying, “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry… a space that cannot be filled by anyone… there will always be and one and only DHARAMJI. We love you kind Sir… We will miss you so much.”
Dharmendra, affectionately known as ‘He-Man’ and ‘Dharam Paaji,’ leaves behind a legacy spanning over six decades, with countless iconic roles across Hindi cinema. His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and the film fraternity.