At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dharmendra, calling him an underrated actor despite his remarkable versatility across genres.
“I grew up watching him, and he was famous as the ultimate action hero, the He-man. Beyond that, he was exceptional at portraying strong characters in action films. Yet, I don’t think people have fully appreciated his talent—he’s truly underrated,” Khan said. He further praised Dharmendra’s versatility, noting his remarkable performances in romance, comedy, and drama. “He excelled in every genre—romance, comedy, drama—you name it. To me, Dharamji was always among the best… and such a strikingly handsome man,” he added.
The actor also expressed regret over not being able to attend Dharmendra’s prayer meet on November 27. Though Aamir never shared screen space with Dharmendra, he appeared as a child actor in the film Yaadon Ki Baarat, which starred Dharmendra, Vijay Arora, Tariq Khan, and Zeenat Aman.
Aamir Khan further described Dharmendra as not only a great actor but also a gentle soul. “Dharamji wasn’t just an exceptional actor; he was a wonderful human being. So gentle, like a true gentle giant, always warm and loving to everyone he met. His command over language was incredible—unki zubaan itni saaf thi—it was soft, clear, and a joy to listen to, even at live events,” Khan recalled. He also fondly remembered Dharmendra speaking at Yusuf Saab’s book launch, noting the grace and dignity with which he carried himself.
Dharmendra, a beloved Bollywood icon, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a lasting impression on generations of actors and audiences alike. Aamir Khan concluded by calling him “a great actor, a gentle giant, and truly an institution. It’s a great loss for all of us.”