PM Modi pays heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra, Nitin Gadkari expresses grief

Tributes continue to pour in for legendary film actor Dharmendra whose passing has been described as the end of an era in Indian cinema Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an emotional message on X calling Dharmendra an ldquoiconic film personalityrdquo and a ldquophenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he playedrdquoThe Prime Minister said that Dharmendrarsquos diverse performances touched the hearts of millionsPM Modi also highlighted his admired qualities beyond the screen mdash Dharmendra was equally admired for his simplicity humility and warmthHe expressed his condolences to the actorrsquos family friends and countless fansPM Modi wrote on X The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema He was an iconic film personality a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity humility and warmth In this sad hour my thoughts are with his family friends and innumerable fans Om ShantiUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari speaking to ANI in Pune remembered Dharmendra as ldquonot just a good actor but also a good and simple human beingrdquoGadkari said he had a personal bond with the film icon and praised his commitment to the country and its farmers ldquoHis work in films cannot be forgotten The film industry has suffered a huge loss with his passing away He used to come and meet me I have good relations with his sons and Hema Malinirdquo he saidUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra calling it an irreparable loss to Indian cinemaIn a post on X Amit Shah said that Dharmendra who touched the hearts of Indians for six decades with his remarkable performances rose from a humble background to create an enduring legacy in the film industryShah described him as one of the rare actors who brought every character to life winning the affection of millions across all age groupsldquoThrough his art he will remain with us foreverrdquo he wrotePraying for eternal peace to the departed soul Shah expressed his sympathy to Dharmendrarsquos family members and fans wishing them strength to bear the loss ldquoOm Shantirdquo Shah addedCongress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed deep sorrow over the death of legendary actor Dharmendra describing it as a profound loss to the Indian arts and film worldIn a post on X Gandhi said the news of the actorrsquos passing was ldquoextremely saddeningrdquo and that his unmatched contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades would always be remembered with respect and affectionPaying his heartfelt tribute Gandhi said Dharmendrarsquos legacy would continue to inspire generations of film lovers He extended his condolences to the bereaved family friends and countless admirers of the veteran actor during this difficult timeVeteran actor Dharmendra whose 65year career and more than 300 films mdash from Satyakam to Sholay mdash made him a legend of Indian cinema died in Mumbai on Monday police said He was 89 There was no immediate confirmation from the familyDharmendra who would have turned 90 on December 8 had been unwell for some time and had been in and out of a Mumbai hospital Earlier this month his family decided to continue his treatment at homeAccording to a police official Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning Arrangements for his funeral are being made at the Pawan Hans crematorium in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai