'Huge loss...': Nitin Gadkari mourns actor Dharmendra's death, recalls 'personal connection' with him

Nitin Gadkari mourned death of actor Dharmendra

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday mourned the loss of veteran actor Dharmendra who passed away at the age of 89.

"Dharmendra was not just a good actor but also a good and simple human being. I had a personal connection with him. He was committed to the country and the farmers. His work in films cannot be forgotten," he said, while speaking to the media.

"The film industry has suffered a huge loss with his passing away. He used to come and meet me. I have good relations with his sons and Hema Malini ji," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the veteran actor's death and called it an "irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world".

"The passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades with his finest acting, is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world," Shah wrote.

Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain also expressed his grief.

"The passing of actor Dharmendra is very sad for the country. The nation has lost a beloved star. He was a very kind-hearted person," Hussain was seen saying, while speaking to the media.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International Working President Alok Kumar said, "...I remember him with respect and pray to God to grant peace to his soul."

The veteran star, fondly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood for his rugged charm and immense talent, breathed his last at his Mumbai residence today, surrounded by his family.

The news, though anticipated following a period of age-related health issues, sent shockwaves across the film fraternity and millions of his fans globally. Tributes immediately began pouring in for the charismatic actor whose career spanned over six decades and included more than 300 films, defining generations of Hindi cinema.

Veteran stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Jaya Bachchan were seen offering their respects, visibly emotional as they mourned a cherished peer and friend.

The younger generation, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, also arrived, acknowledging the debt the industry owes to his pioneering work. Directors, producers, and musicians also joined the procession, all united in their grief for the Padma Bhushan recipient.