Another valiant giant has left the arena: Amitabh Bachchan on Dharmendra’s death
Bollywood actors Dharmendra (L) and Amitabh Bachchan. File
| Photo Credit: AFP
Dharmendra remained unsoiled throughout his glorious career in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade, megastar Amitabh Bachchan said on Tuesday (November 25, 2025) as he mourned the death of his friend and co-star of classics such as “Sholay” and “Chupke Chupke”.
Dharmendra, 89, passed away at his Juhu home on Monday (November 24, 2025) after prolonged illness.
“…another valiant Giant has left us .. left the arena .. leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound,” Bachchan wrote about Dharmendra, who played Veeru to his Jai in the 1975 classic and defined onscreen brotherhood through the song “Ye dosti hum nahi todenge”.
Mr. Bachchan attended the last rites of the actor with his grandson Agastya Nanda and son Abhishek Bachchan. Nanda plays Dharmendra’s son in the yet to release “Ikkis”, which is possibly the late actor’s last movie role.
“Dharam ji .. the epitome of greatness, ever linked not only for his renowned physical presence, but for the largeness of his heart , and its most endearing simplicity .. he brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament .. un soiled throughout his glorious career, in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade .. the fraternity underwent changes .. not him,” Mr. Bachchan wrote in his official blog post.
In Pictures: Iconic moments from Dharmendra’s life
Dharmendra ruled Hindi cinema in the 1960s-1980s period. In this picture, the actor is seen with Saira Banu in ‘Pocket Maar’. The story goes that the 1974 movie was in the making for 4 years. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A young Dharmendra in the early 1960s. Considered an up and coming star, the actor’s first few prominent releases were ‘Anpadh’ and ‘Bandini’. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra and Hema Malini were a hit pair in their prime. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
The stylish actor in the spy thriller ‘Kheemat’ (1973). The film’s success reinstated Dharmendra’s reputation as a bankable star. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A still from ‘Chupke Chupke’. The 1975 romantic comedy had an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Om Prakash and Jaya Bachchan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A still from ‘Aas Paas’ (1981). Legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi’s recorded song came in this movie. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
With Shatrughan Sinha in Vijay Anand’s underrated ‘Blackmail’ (1973).
In ‘Jeevan Mrityu’ which marked the debut of Rakhee. Produced by Tarachand Barjatya, the movie was a runaway hit. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Two powerhouse talents in one frame. With Sanjeev Kumar in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s in ‘Satyakam’ (1969). THE HINDU ARCHIVES
In the 1962 hit ‘Anpad’, which boasts of the evergreen song ‘Aapki Nazon Ne Samjha’. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
With Amitabh Bachchan in the cult-classic ‘Sholay’. The song, ‘Yeh Dosti’, is an evergreen number to celebrate friendship. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Guddi’, which marked the Hindi debut of Jaya Bachchan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A poster of Dharmendra’s ‘Haqeeqat’. The 1964 war drama from Chetan Anand received praise for its action sequences. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with sons Bobby and Sunny Deol (left). THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with Javed Akhtar, who has penned many of the hit stories for the superstar, including ‘Sholay’ (1975). THE ARCHIVES
One with the family. Dharmendra with wife Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
When legends meet. Dharmendra, Yash Chopra, Shatrughan Sinha, and Saira Banu celebrate the birthday of Dileep Kumar. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
When the veteran shook a leg with the young stars of Bollywood. A light moment with Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Receives the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Pratibha Patil in 2012. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with Evergreen Star Dev Anand. The two featured in ‘Return of the Jewel Thief’ (1997), a sequel to Anand’s cult-classic ‘Jewel Thief’ (1967). THE HINDU ARCHIVES.
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Mr. Bachchan said Dharmendra’s “smile, his charm and his warmth” extended to all that came in his vicinity, which, according to the megastar, is a rarity in the profession.
“The air about us swings vacant .. a vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus.. prayers,” Mr. Bachchan wrote.
Published – November 25, 2025 09:18 am IST
