Bollywood icon Dharmendra, fondly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema, passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89, leaving the film industry and fans across the world in grief.
Among the many heartfelt tributes was an emotional note from Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who recalled how the veteran actor and his family welcomed her during her earliest days in Bollywood.
Chopra shared that her first-ever signing amount in 2001 came from Dharmendra’s banner, Vijayta Films.
One of her earliest shoots was also under the production house, where she worked alongside his eldest son.
“Him and his family made me feel welcome in the industry at a time when no one knew me,” she wrote, emphasising the rare warmth and grace he extended to a newcomer with no connections in Mumbai.
She added that Dharmendra’s presence was “magnetic”, his charisma unmatched, and his legacy “permanent”.
Chopra, who went on to work with both Sunny and Bobby Deol, said the loss felt deeply personal, reflecting the sentiment shared across the industry.
Dharmendra, who would have turned 90 on December 8, was last seen in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and was slated to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming war drama Ikkis.
