'The Fraternity Underwent Changes, Not Him': Amitabh Bachchan Pens Heartfelt Note After Dharmendra's Demise

Hyderabad: Veteran actor Dharmendra's death on November 24 has left the Bollywood industry mourning, with several tributes pouring out from across the industry. Among the many tributes, one of the most moving came from Amitabh Bachchan, the megastar who shared some of Indian cinema's most memorable frames with Dharmendra during the 1970s and '80s.

Taking to the microblogging site X, Big B wrote a deeply emotional message for his longtime friend and co-star. "... another valiant Giant has left us .. left the arena .. leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound .. 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 wrote.

".. he brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament .. unsoiled throughout his glorious career, in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade .. the fraternity underwent changes .. not him .. his smile, his charm and his warmth, extending to all that came in his vicinity .. a rarity in the profession .. the air about us swings vacant .. a vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus .. prayers," he added.

Amitabh and Dharmendra first shared the screen together in the 1974 film Dost. However, it was in 1975 that their on-screen chemistry became iconic with two films, including Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Chupke Chupke and Ramesh Sippy's Sholay. The duo also collaborated in movies like Naseeb, Ram Balram, and Hum Kaun Hain, among others.

Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning at his family home in Juhu. The 89-year-old actor had been battling ill health for weeks. He had been hospitalised earlier this month and discharged a few days before his demise. The veteran actor, whose earlier death rumours on November 10 were refuted by his family, was cremated at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle later the same day.

READ MORE

1. From Satyakam To Sholay: Dharmendra's 10 Films, 10 Avatars
2. Dharmendra Cremated In Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan And Others Pay Last Respects
3. Remembering Dharmendra: The He-Man With A Poet's Heart