Bollywood Mourns as Stars Gather at Dharmendra's Residence
The Indian film industry is grappling with profound grief following the passing of veteran superstar Dharmendra at the age of 89 on Monday. The legendary actor's demise has sent shockwaves through the nation, with fans and colleagues alike remembering his immense contribution to cinema over decades.
On Tuesday, the Deol residence became the focal point of Bollywood's collective mourning as numerous A-list actors and industry stalwarts visited to offer their condolences to the grieving family. The gathering represented a significant moment of unity and respect for one of Hindi cinema's most beloved figures.
Who Visited to Pay Their Respects
Ranbir Kapoor arrived with his wife, actress Alia Bhatt, to personally express their sympathies. The Kapoor family representation was substantial, with Karisma Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan having visited earlier in the day. The presence of multiple generations from prominent film families underscored Dharmendra's widespread influence across different eras of Bollywood.
Ajay Devgn made a solemn appearance to pay his respects to the departed legend. Director-choreographer Farah Khan was also spotted arriving at the residence, along with younger stars including Ananya Panday and Shanaya Kapoor. The Panday family showed their support with both Bhavna Panday and Chunky Panday in attendance, while Maheep Kapoor joined the gathering of mourners.
Abhay Deol, a relative of Dharmendra, had visited earlier in the day, representing the extended family during this difficult time. The continuous stream of visitors throughout Tuesday demonstrated the deep connections Dharmendra had forged throughout his remarkable career.
Previous Visitors and Funeral Attendance
The expressions of condolence began immediately after news of Dharmendra's passing spread. On Monday night, Aryan Khan visited the residence to express his sympathies to the family. Preity Zinta, known for her close bond with the Deol family, also arrived to offer comfort during their time of loss.
Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra made their appearance, as did Zayed Khan with his sister Sussanne Khan. Kajol was also among the prominent figures who came to share in the family's grief.
Monday's funeral saw an unprecedented gathering of Bollywood's elite, who came together to bid farewell to the screen icon. The "three Khans"—Salman, Aamir, and Shah Rukh—were all present, alongside Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek. The attendance of such industry heavyweights highlighted Dharmendra's stature as a respected peer and mentor to multiple generations of actors.
Govinda, Anil Kapoor, and Sanjay Dutt were also among the mourners at the funeral, creating a poignant moment of unity in the film fraternity as they said their final goodbyes to the beloved star.
Dharmendra's Legacy and Final Projects
The timing of Dharmendra's passing adds a particularly poignant note to the tragedy. The actor was set to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8, just weeks after his demise. This milestone makes the loss even more profound for his family, friends, and countless admirers.
Fans can look forward to one final performance from the veteran actor in his upcoming film, Ikkis, scheduled for a Christmas release. The war drama, directed by Sriram Raghavan, features Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat in significant roles.
In an exclusive conversation, the film's co-writer Pooja Ladha Surti revealed that the production will include a special tribute to the late legend. She expressed confidence that the filmmakers would honor his memory appropriately, while noting that "His final performance will speak more than any tribute from us."
As Bollywood continues to process this significant loss, the overwhelming turnout at Dharmendra's residence serves as a powerful testament to his enduring impact on the industry and the deep affection he inspired in colleagues and fans alike throughout his extraordinary career.
