Mumbai, Nov 24 (NationPress) Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor Dharmendra, who sadly left us on Monday.

The superstar took to his X account, formerly known as Twitter, sharing a nostalgic photograph with the late star. He wrote, “Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You embodied a father figure for me… I am truly grateful for the blessings and affection you bestowed upon me. Your loss is profoundly felt, not only by your family but also by the film industry and audiences worldwide.”

He continued, “You are eternal, and your essence will continue to resonate through your films and your wonderful family forever. Love you endlessly.”

Dharmendra was among Bollywood’s most cherished and enduring figures. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he began his film journey in the early 1960s, after being discovered through a nationwide talent competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine and Bimal Roy Productions held a contest to find fresh talent for Hindi cinema, where he emerged as the winner in 1958, celebrated for his striking appearance and natural charisma. This achievement paved his way into the film industry.

This very competition would later recognize Rajesh Khanna, another titan of Hindi cinema. Dharmendra quickly garnered fame with his captivating looks, emotional range, and effortless screen presence. His ability to master diverse genres, including romance, action, and comedy, made him a versatile star. Notable films like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which solidified his status as a leading man, and ‘Sholay’, where he portrayed the beloved and humorous Veeru, became legendary. Dharmendra was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.