CM Fadnavis, Maharashtra leaders pay tribute to Dharmendra

Tributes from across Maharashtra poured in on Monday following the news of Dharmendra passing away as political leaders remembered veteran Bollywood actor with deep emotion calling his death the loss of a shining star of Indian cinemarsquos golden eraVeteran actor Dharmendra whose 65year career and more than 300 films mdash from Satyakam to Sholay mdash made him a legend of Indian cinema passed away in Mumbai on Monday police said He was 89In an official statement Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Dharmendra as a legendary figure whose contribution to Hindi cinema will remain unforgettable In his condolence message Fadnavis said the actorrsquos journey mdash from a dreamy young romantic hero to Bollywoodrsquos famous ldquoHeManrdquo mdash left an enduring mark on generations of film lovers He noted that Dharmendra witnessed every major transformation of the film industry from blackandwhite cinema to modern technologically advanced filmmakingFadnavis praised Dharmendrarsquos iconic roles including the beloved character of Veeru from Sholay and remembered him as a warmhearted helpful and influential figure who connected effortlessly with both older and younger generations He highlighted the actorrsquos long career of more than 300 films and his rare record of delivering nine hit films in a single year Dharmendra also briefly served as a BJP MP from Bikaner though his main passion always remained cinemaThe Chief Minister said Dharmendrarsquos passing has deeply affected the Deol family and millions of fans He prayed for strength for the bereaved and called the actorrsquos death a significant loss for Indian cinemaIn an official statement Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that Dharmendrarsquos demise marks the end of a ldquobrilliant and vibrant chapterrdquo in Hindi cinema He remembered the actorrsquos natural style simplicity and emotional strength praising unforgettable performances in films like Sholay Chupke Chupke Anupama Satyakam and Dillagi Pawar described Dharmendra as a symbol of hard work dedication and pure love for the art of acting someone who brought joy to audiences across generationsDharmendra won several Filmfare Awards and earned the title of Bollywoodrsquos ldquoHeManrdquo for his strong screen presence and striking personality Pawar expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and fansMeanwhile deputy CM Eknath Shinde also paid tribute to the actor In a post on X Shinde stated that ldquoBollywoodrsquos HeMan is no morerdquo Remembering the actorrsquos sixdecadelong career Shinde said Dharmendra brought immense happiness to countless fans through films such as Seeta Aur Geeta Dream Girl The Burning Train Mera Naam Joker Apne and Life in a MetroShinde highlighted Dharmendrarsquos interest in farming at his Lonavala farmhouse and his popular socialmedia posts featuring poetry humour and glimpses of his life He described the actor as cheerful energetic and generous someone who always spread happinessNCP SP chief Sharad Pawar expressed his condolences on the death of Bollywood legend Dharmendra recalling his immense contribution to Indian cinema and the unforgettable ldquowater tankrdquo scene from Sholay which continues to be recreated during political protestsIn his condolence message Pawar said ldquoDharmendra entered Indian cinema in the 1960s and became a beloved star who portrayed characters that reflected the life of the common man He created a unique identity for himself and won the hearts of audiences across the countryrdquoldquoWe offer our heartfelt tributes to Dharam Paaji and extend our deepest sympathies to the Deol familyrdquo Sharad Pawar wrote in his message on XMNS chief Raj Thackeray on Monday paid tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra who passed away earlier in the day describing him as a rare star whose charm and impact never faded with timeIn a post on X Thackeray wrote that in Indian cinema most superstars experience a period of intense fame followed by a natural decline but Dharmendra was an exception He said the actor delivered numerous superhit films yet never allowed the ldquosuperstarrdquo label to define him adding that his real persona was even more impressive than his public image