Dharmendra passes away: Karan Johar bids farewell to 'bonafide legend', calling his death 'a gaping hole in our industry'
Dharmendra passes away: Filmmaker Karan Johar penned a heartfelt note after Dharmendra’s demise and remembered the veteran star for his rich contribution and warm personality.
Last Updated: 02.37 PM, Nov 24, 2025
Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away today at the age of 89, days ahead of his 90th birthday. The legendary star’s demise has sent shockwaves in the industry. Also hailed as the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra had been battling age-related health issues. Filmmaker Karan Johar penned a heartfelt note after Dharmendra’s demise and remembered the veteran star for his rich contribution with his enigmatic screen presence.
Karan Johar remembers Dharmendra in a loving tribute
Dharmendra had been battling with some health complications for a while. He was discharged from Mumbai’s Candy Breach Hospital two weeks ago. On November 24, Dharmendra passed away, and an ambulance was spotted near his house.
Filmmaker Karan Johar has penned a heartfelt tribute for Dharmendra, calling him a ‘massive mega star.’ He remembered his stellar performances that remain etched in the history of mainstream cinema.
Dharmendra’s journey in the industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his stardom as Veeru from Sholay to Phool Aur Patthar, Dharm Paaji had a striking personality. Taking to Instagram, Karan shared in a long post, “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 …. “
Karan Johar, who worked with Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, shared how much positivity the late star had. He also expressed love for him with an emotional message.
“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,” Karan Johar added.
Meanwhile, Dharmendra was working on Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis alongside Agastya Nanda. He played his father. The makers had today shared an intense poster with the veteran actor. Ikkis, which will now be the last on-screen presence of Dharmendra, is set to premiere on December 25.