Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89. He was facing health issues since November 1 as he had been in and out of the hospital. He was recuperating at home after his discharge from Breach Candy hospital. However, after fighting hard for the last few days, he breathed his last on November 24. As his family, industry and friends, mourned his demise, his last rites also took place on Monday. One saw several industry celebs arrive at the Pawan Hans Crematorium to pay their final respects. Apart from Dharmendra’s family, Amitabh Bachchan along with Abhishek Bachchan and Agastya Nanda were one of the first people who were seen. Dharmendra’s ‘Sholay’ co-star Bachchan has now also penned a note as he grieved his demise. The duo have also worked together in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s iconic ‘Chupke Chupke’. Bachchan expressed on his blog, “… another valiant Giant has left us .. left the arena .. leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound ..Dharam ji .. 🙏 🙏🙏.. the epitome of greatness, ever linked not only for his renowned physical presence, but for the largeness of his heart , and its most endearing simplicity. He brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from , and remained true to its temperament .. un soiled throughout his glorious career , in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade .. … the fraternity underwent changes .. not him.” He further added, “His smile, his charm and his warmth , extending to all that came in his vicinity .. a rarity in the profession, the air about us swings vacant, a vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus.. prayers 🛕 🙏 ” Dharmendra’s last film is ‘Ikkis’ which stars Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda along with Jaideep Ahlawat. The film is scheduled for release this Christmas. Apart from Big B, one also spotted other celebs like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt among others at the crematorium. Later in the evening after the funeral, Rekha, Kajol, Preity Zinta among others were seen at Dharmendra’s residence to offer their condolences to the Deol family.
