Mumbai, Nov 24 (NationPress) Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal expressed his heartfelt condolences for the late actor Dharmendra. On Monday, he shared a nostalgic black-and-white photograph of the iconic actor in his Instagram Stories.

In his post, he wrote, “Deeply saddened by this tragic news. You will always continue to be in our hearts”.

Legend of Tamil cinema Rajinikanth took to X, previously known as Twitter, stating, “Farewell, my friend. I will always cherish your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Arjun Kapoor reminisced on his social media, revealing that Dharmendra once shared the screen with his grandmother. He posted throwback images of the late actor, writing, “My Nani and Dharam ji collaborated on Farishtey, and I was lucky enough as a child to witness his playful charm and the magic that drew crowds eager to see him. The end of an era. We have lost the He-Man of Bollywood, but his warmth, elegance, and legacy will endure forever. Thank you for touching generations with your artistry and spirit, Dharam ji. You will be missed.”

Actress Kriti Kharbanda also shared a nostalgic picture featuring herself and the actor, expressing, “Heart so heavy. Mind so numb. Rest in peace HE-MAN.”

Dharmendra was one of the most cherished and long-lasting stars in Bollywood. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he began his career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in partnership with Bimal Roy Productions, conducted a nationwide contest to find new faces for Hindi cinema. Dharmendra entered and won in 1958, thanks to his striking appearance and innate charm. This victory paved the way for his entry into the film industry.

This same talent hunt would later uncover Rajesh Khanna, one of Hindi cinema’s most significant superstars. Dharmendra quickly gained fame due to his charming looks, emotional depth, and effortless screen presence. His versatility enabled him to thrive in romance, action, and comedy. Some of his most memorable films include Phool Aur Patthar, which secured his status as a leading man, and Sholay, where his depiction of the lovable and witty Veeru became legendary. Dharmendra was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor in India.