Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away on Monday, leaving the Hindi film industry in deep mourning. The veteran star, known across generations for his charm, humility and iconic screen presence, was cremated in Mumbai in the presence of several Bollywood celebrities. They also included his longtime co-star and friend Amitabh Bachchan, who later shared an emotional note remembering the actor.

On his personal blog, Bachchan wrote an emotional tribute, in which he described Dharmendra as “a brave veteran” whose absence has created an irreplaceable void. He wrote, “Another brave veteran has gone from the field leaving us a silence with an unbearable sound.”

Recalling the qualities that endeared Dharmendra both on-screen and off-screen, Bachchan said, “Dharm ji was an epitome of greatness, associated not only for his renowned physical presence but also for the largeness of his heart and its sweetest simplicity.”

He reflected on how Dharmendra remained down to earth despite decades of fame. “He brought with him the soil of the Punjab village from where he came and remained true to his nature throughout his illustrious career, without any dirt, in a fraternity that saw changes every decade. The fraternity changed, not he.”

Bachchan also remembered Dharmendra’s warmth and generosity. He said, “His smile, his charm and his warmth, which extends to everything that comes around him, are rare in the profession.”

Ending his tribute with a sense of profound loss, Bachchan wrote, “The air around us is spinning towards an emptiness that will always remain void of prayers.”

Bachchan and Dharmendra shared an enduring bond, immortalized by their iconic roles in ‘Sholay’, one of the most famous films of Indian cinema. Dharmendra’s death marks the end of an era, and tributes continue to pour in from the film industry and fans around the world.