Film lovers in India and outside are mourning the passing of Dharmendra, one of its most respected and cherished icons, who left for his heavenly abode on Monday, September 24, 2025. The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) joined the nation in expressing deep sorrow and paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor during a special remembrance held today on November 25, 2025.
Renowned filmmaker Rahul Rawail delivered an emotional address, sharing personal memories of working with Dharmendra and remembering him as both a remarkable artist and a kind human being. Rawail urged the audience to celebrate Dharmendra’s extraordinary life while acknowledging the immense pain his family must be experiencing. “He was an iconic actor and an exceptional human being,” Rawail said.
Reflecting on their early years together, Rawail recalled his time as an Assistant Director on Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker, where Dharmendra played trapeze artist Mahendra Kumar with unwavering dedication. He shared how the actor would take an evening flight to Delhi every day for nearly a month, shoot until 5 a.m., and fly back to Mumbai to continue filming Aadmi Aur Insaan. Despite the demanding routine, Dharmendra maintained it without complaint.
Rawail also remembered the making of Betaab (1983), which introduced Dharmendra’s son, Sunny Deol, to Hindi cinema. During the Kashmir shoot, crowds gathered in large numbers simply to see Dharmendra. After the film released, Dharmendra reportedly watched his son’s debut at Gaiety Cinema in Mumbai every evening for several days. Each time, he visited Rawail’s home afterward to talk about the film with the excitement of someone watching it for the first time. Rawail also expressed pride that Dharmendra’s children continue to carry forward his remarkable legacy.
“Dharam ji was a man whose life deserved to be celebrated because he brought immense joy to people,” Rawail said. He recalled a Delhi police officer who had always wished to meet Dharmendra and touch his feet. When the officer learned of Dharmendra’s passing, he broke down, called Rawail, and expressed his desire to meet Sunny Deol to offer his condolences. “This is the power of Dharam ji,” Rawail added.
He further described Dharmendra as a father figure who supported and guided him throughout his career, and also praised him for being a thoughtful and committed producer.
In his concluding remarks, Rawail said, “We’ve lost a great human being. We were fortunate to have lived in times when icons like Dharmendra ji were working.” He thanked the IFFI organizers for arranging a special homage to honour the timeless star.
A towering figure, a beloved artist and a man known for his warmth, Late Shri Dharmendra’s legacy remains deeply rooted in the heart of Indian cinema and will continue to inspire generations.
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