Former India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar posted a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter) mourning the death of iconic actor Dharmendra. Tendulkar remembered the Bollywood star as a towering figure whose energy was “incredibly infectious” and whose impact transcended generations. He recalled that he “took an instant liking to Dharmendra ji, the actor, who entertained us with his versatility,” and that their on-screen bond grew stronger off-screen when they met.
Tendulkar shared a poignant personal anecdote, quoting Dharmendra: “Tumko dekhkar ek kilo khoon badh jaata hai mera” (Seeing you increases my blood by one kilogram). Expressing his deep sense of loss, Tendulkar wrote, “Today, my heart feels heavy with his passing. Aisa lagta hai jaise mera 10 kilo khoon kam ho gaya hai. Will miss you.” He emphasized the actor’s effortless warmth, which made everyone around him feel valued and special.
Dharmendra, 89, passed away on Monday after being briefly hospitalised due to breathing trouble. Born in Punjab in 1935, he was one of the longest-lasting stars in Indian cinema, rising to fame after winning a nationwide talent search in 1958. His career spanned over six decades, featuring diverse roles from romance to action, and his performance as Veeru in Sholay remains one of Hindi cinema’s most famous. For his significant contributions, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour.
