Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor arrive at crematorium to pay last respects to veteran actor Dharmendra

Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor arrive at crematorium to pay last respects to veteran actor Dharmendra

Mumbai is witnessing a somber mood as celebrities and fans alike gather to bid farewell to veteran actor Dharmendra, whose passing marks the end of a legendary era in Hindi cinema. Among the earliest to arrive at Juhu Crematorium were actors Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, whose presence underscores Dharmendra’s influence across generations of film-makers and stars.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Story continues below Advertisement

Remove Ad

Salman Khan, visibly emotional, reached the crematorium grounds shortly after the formal announcements of Dharmendra’s death. He was accompanied by his father Salim Khan and other close film industry associates. The gesture came not just as a mark of respect, but as a recognition of Dharmendra’s mentorship and longstanding friendship with several senior actors and filmmakers. In media footage, Salman Khan paused at the entrance, offered folded hands and paid a quiet tribute before entering the main hall where the funeral rites were underway.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Akshay Kumar followed soon after and was seen greeting other mourners, acknowledging the family members and sharing a few words with Dharmendra’s sons. The footage shows him in a sober mood, shaking hands with members of the Deol family and bowing his head in a moment of silence. His arrival highlighted how Dharmendra’s legacy bridged older and newer generations of Bollywood stars, connecting the muscle-hero image of the 1970s with today’s mainstream action icons.

Also Read: Dharmendra death: Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Esha Deol, Sunjay Dutt other family members and friends arrive at crematorium

Other luminaries including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sunny Deol and Esha Deol also made their way to the crematorium, but the appearances of Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar stood out for the magnitude of their public personas and the bridge they represent between eras. Fans gathered outside the crematorium gates held placards and flowers, chanting Dharmendra’s name, expressing gratitude for his six-decade contribution to Indian cinema.

Also Read: Dharmendra death news live: PM Narendra Modi condoles veteran actor's death, says, "end of an era in Indian cinema"

The funeral proceedings maintained a tight yet respectful atmosphere, with media kept at bay and family members leading the final rites. Though Dharmendra’s departure is deeply personal for his loved ones, it also marks a collective cultural moment for Bollywood, as one of its foundational stars takes his final bow. For Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, their presence symbolised the respect of an industry that will long remember Dharmendra – not just for his screen roles, but for his warmth, charisma and enduring legacy.