Ibrahim Ali Khan honours Dharmendra, shares how the icon’s kindness led to his family’s beginnings in Bollywood

November 25, 2025 - 1:15 PM IST

Superstar Dharmendra’s passing has saddened people across the country, with tributes pouring in from across the film industry. Many Bollywood celebrities remembered him not only for his remarkable performances but also for his warmth and generous spirit.

Ibrahim Ali Khan honours Dharmendra, shares how the icon’s kindness led to his family’s beginnings in Bollywood

Among them was actor Ibrahim Ali Khan, who shared a heartfelt note on social media. Ibrahim worked as an assistant director on Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), where he had the opportunity to work closely with Dharmendra. In his post, he reflected on the late actor’s influence on his own family’s place in the film world. “Some people aren’t just stars on screen; they change the course of lives,” he wrote. Ibrahim went on to share how Dharmendra discovered his mother, Amrita Singh, when she was just 16 years old. “Dharam Ji discovered my mother in Delhi and trusted her with her first film Betaab. If it wasn’t for him, she may never have left Delhi… and we might not even exist,” he added.

Ibrahim expressed how deeply Dharmendra’s kindness shaped his family’s journey in Bollywood. “It’s overwhelming to think that our entire journey, our family, our place in this industry began because of him. A man whose kindness shaped destinies,” he noted.

Remembering Dharmendra’s charm and presence, he wrote, “Dharam Ji, you were devilishly handsome, effortlessly charming, and truly timeless. Thank you for the wisdom you shared with me; I will hold onto your words for the rest of my life.” He concluded his message by offering condolences to the Deol family and writing, “Rest in peace, sir. You will live on forever,” accompanied by emotions of a dove, a red heart, and folded hands.

For context, Amrita Singh made her Bollywood debut in 1983 with Betaab, opposite Dharmendra’s elder son, Sunny Deol, who also debuted in the film. Produced under Vijayta Films, the Deol family’s banner, the movie became a major commercial success.

Dharmendra passed away on November 24 and was cremated the same afternoon at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Many prominent Bollywood personalities attended the funeral to pay their final respects to the beloved He-Man of Bollywood.

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