On what would have been his 90th birthday, Bollywood bows to Dharmendra — Saira Banu, family and colleagues share deeply personal tributes
A life mourned, a legacy celebrated
On 24 November 2025, India lost one of its most cherished film icons. Dharmendra — Bollywood’s “He-Man,” star of more than six decades, known for both his charm and humanity — passed away at the age of 89.
His death came just weeks before his 90th birthday, and now, on 8 December, as the world marks what would have been his milestone birth anniversary, grief and reverence have mingled across social media, film circles and the hearts of fans everywhere.
His children — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol — along with his wife Hema Malini, led the tributes, sharing heartbreak and fond memories.
But among all voices, one stood out for its poignancy and depth — that of Saira Banu, whose bond with Dharmendra went beyond simple friendship or admiration.
Saira Banu’s tribute — affection, memories and undying bond
Taking to Instagram, Saira Banu shared a heartfelt post that revisited not only their camaraderie but the decades-long affection and respect that defined their relationship.
In her post, she included a rare old interview of Dharmendra, herself, and another legend, Dilip Kumar — revealing a closeness that spanned generations.
In the caption, she wrote: Dharam ji… if I were to put the man into words, it would never be easy.
Some people are too large for language, too gentle for description, and too loved for boundaries — and he was all of that.” She added that his humility reminded her of Dilip Sahib, “anything I have ever seen.”
Recalling their shared memories, she said the world of stardom and glamour never altered his simple, warm spirit.
“In a world filled with stars, he shone differently… quietly, with a warmth that touched every soul lucky enough to know him.”
Most moving was her reflection on Dharmendra’s bond with Dilip Kumar. She confessed: And the way he loved Dilip Sahib… sometimes I could never decide who loved Dilip Sahib more — Dharam Ji or I.”
Though many might claim to understand friendship in cinema, she believed their bond was far deeper: rare, pure, and proof that souls truly recognise each other.
Concluding her note, Saira Banu expressed a longing that echoes the grief of an entire generation: Today, on his birthday, my heart feels both heavy and full.
Heavy because I wish he were still here with us… and full because I want to believe, with all my heart, that he is with Dilip Sahib once again.
Somewhere, in a quieter, kinder world, the two of them have reunited… laughing, talking, sharing that indescribable bond only they understood.”
Dharmendra — beyond the hero: A man loved for humanity, humility, heart
For decades, Dharmendra was more than a silver-screen star. He represented a rare blend of stardom and grounded simplicity.
The stories shared by Saira Banu and many others — of his kindness, generosity, and down-to-earth nature — paint the portrait of a man who remained “ghar ka aadmi” (a true man of the house), even as fame soared around him.
After his passing, tributes poured in from across the industry and beyond. Colleagues and critics remembered not just his blockbuster hits or his record-breaking career — but the warmth, dignity, and humanity he carried off-screen.
His last film appearance came even this year in Ikkis — and in its final moments, a poem voiced by him resonated deeply with fans: a wistful yearning to return to his roots, to the village, to the heart that gave him life and identity.
Loss, love and legacy: What this birthday means today
Today’s tributes — from his wife, children, friends, and co-stars — reflect not only sorrow, but gratitude.
Gratitude for a lifetime of unforgettable performances, for decades of joy, for a legacy that touched millions across generations.
Saira Banu’s words remind us: Dharmendra belonged to a generation of actors who never forgot their roots, who wore fame but kept their humanity closer.
His memory is a reminder that greatness lies not only in stardom — but in kindness, humility, and the ability to touch hearts, even when the lights of the set dim.
On this 90th birth anniversary, as fans and loved ones remember him, Bollywood bows once more — to Dharam ji, the legend who remained forever human.
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