While today morning began like any other day, it soon tuned into one of mourning as news of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passing away made the headlines. While the 98 year old’s actor’s final rites took place in Mumbai earlier today, many star and fans took to social media to pay their tributes and last respects.
While we mourn the actor, we bring you a throwback story of the time when Dharmendra called Salman Khan his third son. Scroll below to read more about it.
Dharmendra: Salman Khan Mera Beta Hai
During an interaction at the trailer launch of Yamla Pagla Deewana, Dharmendra expressed fondness for Salman Khan and went on to call him his third. The veteran superstar said, “Main toh kahunga, yeh mera beta hai. Mere teen bete hain — teeno jazbaati hain, khuddar hain, transparent hain (I would say this is my son. I have three sons — all three are emotional, self-respecting, and transparent).”
Showering unconditional on Khan, Bollywood’s He-Man further said, “But yeh thoda mujhpe zyaada gaya hai, is liye kyuki yeh rangeen mizaj hai (But he is more like me, because he is more fun-loving and cheerful).”
About Dharmendra
Dharam Ji was born on December 8, 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, India). He passed away in November 2025 at age 89. In an impressive career spanning 65 years, the veteran superstar featured in over 250 films. He was even honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Active till the very end, the actor’s posthumous release will be Ikkis – a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. This morning his look from the film was unveiled.
On the personal front, Dharam ji is survived by his 2 wives – Prakash Kaur – whom he married in 1954 and actress Hema Malini – whom he married in 1980, his 6 children – Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol and 13 grandchildren, including Karan, Rajveer and Dharam.
May his soul rest in peace.
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Also Read: Dharmendra Funeral: Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh And Other Bollywood Stars Attend Dharam Ji’s Last Rites
With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.
