The death of veteran actor Dharmendra has left an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema, and tributes continue to pour in from across the world. Among the many emotional messages shared by colleagues and admirers, Priyanka Chopra’s heartfelt note stands out for its personal depth and warmth. Taking to social media, she shared a throwback picture of Dharmendra along with an image of herself posing beside him, reminiscing about the early days of her career and the kindness she received from the Deol family.
Priyanka began her tribute by recalling how her association with Dharmendra dates back to the very start of her journey in Hindi films. “In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films,” she wrote, referring to the production house owned by the legendary actor. She revealed that one of her first Hindi films was made under his banner and that Dharmendra and his family extended warmth and support to her when she was new to Mumbai. “Very few people are capable of that kind of warmth and grace towards a complete newcomer who didn’t know anyone in Mumbai,” she reflected.
Her bond with the Deols only strengthened over the years, as she worked in multiple films with Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Calling the loss “personal,” she added that many people around the world shared that same sentiment. Priyanka described Dharmendra as someone whose presence was magnetic, someone who lit up the screen with his smile and charisma. “Some people leave behind films, some leave behind feelings. He has left us with both,” she wrote, emphasizing the permanence of his legacy.
Reflecting on how Dharmendra’s journey continues to inspire millions, Priyanka shared that she was typing her note from a film set, thinking about how his story resonates with so many dreamers. “Hailing from a small town with no godfather and big dreams… he made a permanent mark in a tough industry, and he carried his family along,” she said, calling him the epitome of a “true-blue Hindi film hero.”
She concluded her message with a prayerful farewell: “Rest in paradise, Dharamji. My condolences to the entire Deol family. Om Shanti.”
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Dharmendra had recently been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital after treatment for breathlessness and was under home care when his condition worsened. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through unforgettable performances in classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dream Girl, Dharam Veer, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh—films that continue to shape the landscape of Hindi cinema.
