‘A valiant giant’: Amitabh Bachchan’s heartbreaking tribute to Dharmendra moves fans
The Hindi film industry is in mourning after veteran actor Dharmendra passed away at 89. As tributes poured in, Amitabh Bachchan shared an emotional note calling him "a valiant Giant," remembering his warmth, humility and iconic presence that shaped Indian cinema across generations.
Dharmendra death: The Hindi film industry has been left heartbroken after the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday (November 24) at the age of 89. The iconic star, remembered across generations for his effortless charm, humility and towering presence on screen, was cremated in Mumbai, where several members of the film fraternity gathered to pay their last respects.
Among the mourners was his longtime co-star and close friend Amitabh Bachchan, who later shared an emotional tribute on his personal blog.
Amitabh Bachchan mourns Dharmendra’s death
In his heartfelt note, Amitabh described Dharmendra as "a valiant Giant”, saying the loss had created a silence that felt "unbearable”. He wrote, "Another valiant Giant has left us left the arena leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound.” The actor’s words captured the grief of an industry that grew up watching Dharmendra redefine heroism, romance and comedy with effortless ease.
Reflecting on Dharmendra’s magnetic persona, Amitabh remembered him as "the epitome of greatness”, someone admired not only for his physical presence but for "the largeness of his heart and its most endearing simplicity.” He noted that despite decades of fame and relentless spotlight, Dharmendra remained grounded, holding on to the warmth of his Punjabi roots. "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,” Amitabh wrote, adding that while the industry changed dramatically over the years, "The fraternity underwent changes not him.”
Amitabh also spoke of Dharmendra’s rare generosity and openness, recalling how his "smile, his charm and his warmth” touched everyone around him. "His smile, his charm and his warmth, extending to all that came in his vicinity a rarity in the profession,” he wrote, offering a glimpse into the bond the two legends shared away from the screen.
The tribute concluded on a note of deep sorrow. "The air about us swings vacant a vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus prayers,” Amitabh said, expressing a loss that words could barely contain.
The two icons created cinematic history together in Sholay, with their performances becoming a permanent part of Indian pop culture.