'The industry has lost a legend... and we've lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema.'
After news of Dharmendra's passing away began coming in, film folk poured their tributes on social media.
Shilpa Shetty: I've had the privilege of working with many talented actors, but none with a bigger heart than yours. Your talent, charm and dashing looks were just the beginning but your humility, simplicity and kindness were so inspiring.
You were a true original, a shining star that touched so many hearts. Rest in peace you special soul. Dharamji, you will be missed Om Shanti.
Farhan Akhtar: A big, big loss to the entire film world. To those who make movies and to those who watch them, Dharamji will forever remain irreplaceable. Thank you for six decades of entertainment.
We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen. Deepest condolences to the Deol Family.
Sanjay Dutt: Some people don't just work in your life... they live in your heart. Dharamji was one of them. It's a void that can't be described. My thoughts are with Sunny, Bobby, and the entire family.
Kajol: The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always . RIP Dharamji.. with love always.
Ajay Devgn: Heartbroken to hear about Dharam ji. His warmth, generosity and presence inspired generations of artists. The industry has lost a legend... and we've lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema. Rest in peace, Dharamji. Om Shanti.
Karan Johar: 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.
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 jao chodke... Ke dil abhi bhara nahi OM SHANTI.
Manish Malhotra: RIP Legendary Dharamji .. In this pic on the sets of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani looking at him in Admiration .. been A Huge Fan of his .. loved all his 70s films that I grew up watching .. his performances.. his comic timing .. his songs .. his clothes .. his style and him being the most Handsome Macho hero .. Kept meeting him on the sets of the film he was so warm and loving... huge loss to Indian cinema and someone whom you never ever wanted to see go.. Dharamji love, Respect and Admiration forever.
Boman Irani: It is painful to write this... But, as we rewind that reel of joy that he brought to millions like me, the teardrop drops down one's cheek with gratitude and awe.
A face of rugged handsomeness, yet he exuded kindness like no other. Intense when he had to be and yet boyish and funny on another day. He had something for everyone. Romantic for some, macho for the other, but benevolent for all.
As he stands up on that Giant Water Tank in the Sky, we say goodbye and will always be grateful for the wonderful memories.
Arjun Bijlani: Dharmendraji Whenever I've met him, it truly became one of my best memories. To meet your childhood icon... someone who didn't just play characters, but created iconic moments that became a part of our lives...it was special. It was magical.
The kid in me was happy to see his childhood hero. Not just Sholay, but he gave us too many iconic & heroic roles over the years. Having a career of more than 300+ films is not just iconic but legendary. It's hard to believe he is no more. I feel lucky I got to meet him. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace, Dharmendra sir. Om Shanti.
Divyenndu: Comedy.. Drama..Action.. you name it Dharamji did it all. From films like Satyakaam, Sholay, Anupama, Chupke Chupke and many many more. Always true to his craft! You will be missed dearly Dharamji Rest In Peace sir.
Madhur Bhandarkar: I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Dharmendraji, the real He-Man of Indian cinema. I had the privilege of meeting him many times, he was always vibrant & full of humor. His remarkable contributions mark the end of an era in Indian cinema and will be eternally remembered. Om Shanti.
Jr NTR: Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dharmendraji... An era he defined can never be replaced and the warmth he brought to Indian cinema will stay with us forever. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire family.
Sidharth Malhotra: Years of memories and magic, on and off screen... thank you for everything, Dharam sir. My thoughts and prayers with the family. Om Shanti.
Manoj Bajpayee: Dharamji was my parents' favourite and one of my childhood heroes. He had a warmth you felt even before he spoke. His dignity, his humour, and the way he carried himself on and off screen left a deep mark on everyone who met him or watched him. Losing him feels personal. His films, his love for people, and the gentle strength he stood for will stay with us. Om Shanti.
Kapil Sharma: अलविदा धर्म पाजी आपका जाना बहुत ही दुखदायी है , ऐसा लग रहा है जैसे दूसरी बार पिता को खो दिया है ।आपने जो प्यार और आशीर्वाद दिया वह हमेशा मेरे दिल में और यादों में रहेगा । कैसे एक पल में किसी के दिल में बस जाते हैं यह आपसे बेहतर कोई नहीं जानता था ।हमारे दिल में आप हमेशा रहेंगे।ईश्वर आपको अपने चरणों में स्थान दें.
Nimrat Kaur: Journey on into the light dear sir. You were the pride of our soil, your incomparable journey, warmth and spirit shall be remembered for ages to come. There never was and simply won't be another... my deepest condolences to the Deol family and all bereaved.
Rest in glory Dharamji... Satnaam Wahe Guru.
Suniel Shetty: Strength wrapped in grace. Stardom wrapped in warmth. Heroism wrapped in a pure heart. Thats the legacy of Dharam Paaji To the world he was the He-Man. To those who knew him, he was pure warmth. Rest In Power Dharam Paaji.
Shreya Ghoshal: Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dharmendraji. An icon who defined an era, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences. My deepest condolences to the Deol family and everyone whose lives he touched. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Aditi Rao Hydari: May your legacy live on forever Rest in peace Dharmender sir
Sushmita Sen: A legend yes, but what an incredible human being!!! He touched lives like a blessing. His hugs, laughter, kindness & immense goodness…all so contagious & life affirming!!!
The sheer joy on my face in the pictures with him, tells you the energy he embodied…and shared with such generosity. There are few, who leave the world more beautiful than the way they found it… I feel so grateful that I got to witness that grace through you Dharamji I love you Sir @aapkadharam Rest in peace 'A father's love & A king's compassion” #respect My deepest condolences to the entire family. #duggadugga
Adnan Sami: RIP Dharmendra Ji. A legend, a luminary, a shining star who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Your films, your charm, your charisma -- a treasure trove of memories that will forever be etched in my heart…
My childhood is incomplete without your presence as a Matinee Idol... More than an icon, you were a father figure, a friend, a mentor -- a guiding light who illuminated my life with your warmth, love, and generosity. Your beautiful soul, radiant smile, and sparkling eyes will be deeply missed.
Dearest Dharamji, Your legacy lives on -- in your films, your words, your kindness and the countless lives you've touched. May your soul rest in peace, and may your memory be a blessing to us all. My deepest condolences to your beautiful family and loved ones.. Om Shanti.
Neil Nitin Mukesh: This loss feels deeply personal. He loved three generations of the Mukesh family, and I often told him that he bridged the void of me never having met my grandfather.
My grandfather, Mukeshji, lent his voice for Dharamji's first on-screen debut film song Mujhko Is Raat Ki from the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and years later, I had the privilege of making my own debut in Johnny Gaddar with him. Today, Vikram has lost his Sheshadri Sir forever. Will always love Dharamji.
Photographs curated by Satish Bodas/Rediff