New Delhi, Nov 24 (NationPress) A number of political leaders, including the Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Bihar, on Monday expressed their heartfelt condolences regarding the passing of Bollywood legend Dharmendra. They characterized his departure as a profound loss to the Indian film industry, emphasizing that his remarkable contributions will continue to serve as an inspiration for countless generations.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared his sorrow on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “I have received the sorrowful news of the passing of the esteemed Indian actor Shri Dharmendra ji. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry. His smile and unforgettable characters will forever be remembered. I pray that God grants peace to his soul and provides strength to his grieving family and numerous fans to cope with this monumental loss.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed her grief, writing on X, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor-hero Dharmendra ji today in Mumbai. His substantial contributions to Indian cinema will continue to inspire future generations. My sincere condolences go to his family, colleagues, fans, and admirers. Hema Malini ji and his children will now carry forward his rich legacy. May his soul find peace.”

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his condolences, stating, “The loss of popular film actor Dharmendra is tragic. This is an irreplaceable loss to the art and film industry. We pray for peace for his departed soul and offer our humble tributes.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dharmendra ji. As a legendary actor, he touched millions of hearts with his unforgettable performances. His contribution to Indian cinema will be cherished for generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and countless fans.”

BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan shared an emotional tribute on X, writing, “Veteran actor Shri Dharmendra Deol, known affectionately as He-Man and Dharam Paji, passed away today at the age of 89. His loss is a significant blow to the Indian cinema landscape. His illustrious journey, which spanned over six decades, touched millions and lifted Hindi cinema to new heights. Personally, his passing is deeply saddening; he treated me like family and fondly called me Biba Munda. His memories, affection, and personality will always be a source of inspiration. Heartfelt tributes.”

NCP leader Supriya Sule also expressed her sorrow, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra. A true legend whose warmth, simplicity, and remarkable contributions to Indian cinema will forever be remembered. My heartfelt condolences go to Hema ji, the Deol family, his friends, and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray penned a thoughtful tribute, stating, “Veteran actor Dharmendra ji has departed. In Indian cinema, it is often said that a 'superstar' experiences periods of ascendancy and decline. However, Dharmendra ji stands as an exception. He delivered numerous blockbuster films without letting the title of 'superstar' overshadow him. In the 1960s, a handsome young man named Dharmendra, with a strong build, charming smile, and natural masculinity—without an ounce of arrogance—graced the screen, reigning over Hindi cinema for decades.”

He further remarked, “How many are fortunate enough to collaborate with a director like Bimal Roy at the outset of their career? Subsequently, many illustrious directors such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Chetan Anand, Ramesh Sippy, Raj Khosla, and Manmohan Desai saw Dharmendra as their hero, showcasing his immense potential. In the intricate realm of cinema, he remained a straightforward individual, which is why the common man embraced him as their hero. Humble tributes to his memory from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.”

NCP leader Ajit Pawar also shared a heartfelt statement, voicing, “The passing of veteran Hindi film actor Dharmendra marks the end of a glorious era in Indian cinema, as the ‘He-Man’ of acting has left us. I offer my deepest tributes. Dharmendra’s performances were characterized by authenticity, simplicity, and emotional depth. His roles in films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, Satyakam, and Dillagi remain etched in the minds of audiences. Notably, his portrayal of Veeru in Sholay is immortal. His cinematic journey epitomizes hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for cinema. He brought pure joy to generations of viewers, and his passing is a monumental loss to the Hindi film industry. He secured the Filmfare Award eight times during his esteemed career and earned the title of the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema due to his striking persona and powerful acting. I pray that his family and fans find the strength to endure this loss.”

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also expressed condolences on X, stating, “The legendary film actor Dharmendra is no longer with us. My heartfelt condolences. It is a point of great pride that he journeyed to Mumbai from humble beginnings and made an indelible mark through his acting over 60 years. He embraced various roles, but I found his portrayals of a poet and writer in Bandini and Anupama particularly remarkable. I also had the pleasure of meeting other family members, and he was a highly esteemed Member of Parliament. My condolences and humble tribute.”

BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia also mourned his loss, writing, “The news of Dharmendra ji’s passing, a veteran actor of Indian cinema and Lok Sabha MP from Bikaner, is profoundly saddening. With his exceptional talent, simplicity, and dedication, Dharmendra not only brought characters to life on screen but also left an everlasting impression on millions of hearts. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry, but his spirit, warmth, and vibrant style will remain eternal. My deepest condolences to his family, fans, and the entire film community during this difficult time.