Riteish Deshmukh joined the wave of grief sweeping across the country as he shared a deeply emotional tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Posting a series of nostalgic throwback photographs featuring Dharmendra, Shah Rukh Khan, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Genelia Deshmukh, and others, Riteish poured his heart out in a message that beautifully reflected the love and admiration generations of actors have held for the superstar.
Calling him “The King, He-Man of India, ruler of our hearts,” Riteish remembered Dharmendra as a man with the warmest smile and an unmatched generosity of spirit. He wrote about how Dharam ji’s kindness extended even to strangers, including himself, making everyone feel valued and welcomed. His words echoed the sentiments of millions who grew up watching Dharmendra’s cinema—packed with heroism, humour, romance, and an irresistible old-school charm.
Riteish highlighted Dharmendra’s extraordinary range across 300+ films, reminding fans that as an actor, “there was nothing he couldn’t do”, and as a superstar, “nothing he hadn’t achieved a hundred times over.” The accompanying photos, captured at various industry gatherings, showcase Dharmendra’s radiant smile as he stands alongside stars old and new—proof of the affection and respect he commanded across generations, even without frequent on-screen collaborations.
The actor also reflected on the collective grief felt across India as the nation mourns the loss of a man who shaped decades of cinematic identity—an icon whose passing just weeks before his December 8 birthday feels especially poignant. To Riteish and countless fans, Dharmendra’s departure leaves behind not merely a void in Bollywood, but a personal ache in the hearts of everyone who cherished his magic.
Ending his tribute with “Rest In Glory, Sir,” Riteish offered heartfelt condolences to the entire Deol family—reminding us that though the He-Man has left this world, his warmth, humanity, and unmatched legacy will live on forever.