Salman Khan cries remembering Dharmendra; says he passed away on his father Salim Khan’s birthday

On November 24, Dharmendra, fondly known as the He-Man, passed away due to age-related issues. His passing has left a void in the industry. It’s been over 10 days, and still, fans, friends, and the industry have not come to terms with his demise.

Salman Khan, who shared a very close bond with Dharmendra, broke down on the sets of Bigg Boss 19 during the grand finale.

On Sunday night, Salman played a clip recalling Dharmendra’s moments on the Bigg Boss set. After the video ended, Salman Khan got emotional and said, “We lost the He-Man. We lost the most amazing man. I don’t think there is anyone better than Dharmji. The way he lived life was king-size. He gave us Sunny, Bobby and Esha. Since the day he joined the industry, he has only wanted to work. He did so many roles. My career graph… I have only followed Dharmji. He came with an innocent face and a He-Man’s body. That charm stayed with him till the end. Love you, Dharmji. Will always miss you.”

Salman added, “The main thing is… he died on 24 November, that’s my father’s birthday, and today is his birthday as well as my mum’s birthday. If I’m feeling like this, imagine what Sunny and his family must be going through. There were two funerals conducted with utmost dignity. They held his prayer meet with so much grace and honour. Everyone was crying, but there was a decorum, a celebration of life. Hats off to Bobby and Sunny. Every funeral and prayer meeting should be conducted this beautifully.”

Salman Khan added that two funerals had recently been conducted with exceptional dignity: the one for Sooraj Barjatya’s mother and the one for Dharmendra.

Dharmendra was admitted to the hospital in November this year, and by November 10, rumours of his death began circulating on social media. However, his wife, Hema Malini and daughter, Esha Deol, dismissed the rumours and confirmed he was recovering. The family later brought him home, and on November 24, 2025, he breathed his last at his home.

Dharmendra’s family faced criticism online for holding a sudden and private funeral, which left many fans upset as they were unable to give the veteran actor a public farewell.

Hema Malini later explained that the family chose to avoid media chaos, and she also added that the family didn’t want their fans to see Dharmendra weak.

Several celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan, mourned his death and attended his silent funeral.

He is survived by his six children and his two wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur.

Today, on Dharmendra’s birth anniversary, a fan meet and greet is held at his residence to honour and celebrate his life, and the media isn’t allowed.