Shatrughan Sinha Calls Dharmendra “Truly Irreplaceable” in Emotional Tribute to His ‘First Hero

December 8, 2025

Mumbai:  Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha has shared an extended, heartfelt tribute to the late Bollywood icon Dharmendra, calling him his “first hero” and remembering him as one of the most remarkable personalities the Indian film industry has ever produced. Sinha’s emotional message was shared on what would have been Dharmendra’s 90th birthday, adding poignancy to the remembrance.

A Tribute Filled With Admiration and Grief

Shatrughan Sinha’s post on X (formerly Twitter) captured both nostalgia and sorrow as he reflected on Dharmendra’s passing.

Remembering with immense love & fondness my ‘first hero’ & ‘people’s hero’ in true sense, like a dear elder brother @aapkadharam You have left behind a huge vacuum no one can ever fill. You are truly irreplaceable. You will live in our hearts forever. Long Live Dharamji!… pic.twitter.com/4kPKCnke5d

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) December 8, 2025

He wrote that Dharmendra was “truly irreplaceable,” a term he said “barely scratches the surface of what Dharamji meant to millions of people.”
Sinha added that the late actor was not just a superstar but a symbol of humility, warmth, and groundedness, qualities that made him universally beloved across generations.

The actor-politician expressed that Dharmendra’s demise has created an “irreparable void,” one that will be felt not only by the industry but by film lovers who grew up watching him define Hindi cinema’s golden era.

Their Bond: A Relationship Beyond the Limelight

Mentor, Elder Brother, Guiding Force

Sinha described Dharmendra as a guiding light throughout his early years in the industry.
According to him, Dharmendra was among the few senior actors who combined stardom with genuine kindness, offering support, encouragement, and advice whenever needed.

Sinha wrote that he always looked up to Dharmendra not only as an actor but as a human being who lived life with simplicity and grace, despite being one of the most celebrated superstars of his time.

A Connection Rooted in Respect and Gratitude

The bond between the two actors extended far beyond film sets.
Sinha reminisced about countless personal interactions their conversations about cinema, family, life, and the changing seasons of the industry.

He emphasized that Dharmendra always spoke to everyone  from co-stars to crew members  with the same level of respect, a quality that left an indelible mark on Sinha’s own outlook toward people.

Remembering Dharmendra: The Industry’s Gentle Giant

Dharmendra’s passing has been mourned across the country, triggering widespread emotional responses from co-stars, politicians, fans, and film personalities.

Sinha highlighted how Dharmendra’s career  spanning six decades  shaped the identity of Hindi cinema.
He called him a “divine combination of strength and softness,” someone who could pull off intense action scenes while also mastering the art of gentle, emotionally charged performances.

Tributes Pour In From All Corners

Sinha acknowledged the overwhelming tributes that have poured in since Dharmendra’s death — from Prime Ministerial condolences to emotional posts by stars across generations like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and younger actors who grew up idolizing him.

The Deol family, too  Sunny, Bobby, Hema Malini, and Esha have been receiving a stream of visitors offering prayers and support.
Sinha himself visited them to convey his condolences, describing the meeting as “deeply emotional and difficult but necessary.”

A Legacy That Lives Forever

A Cinematic Treasure TroveSinha’s tribute also celebrated Dharmendra’s vast body of work  over 300 films across genres.
He credited Dharmendra for giving Bollywood some of its most unforgettable characters in films like:

• Sholay
• Phool Aur Patthar
• Chupke Chupke
• Anupama
• Satyakam
• Mera Gaon Mera Desh
• Dharam Veer

Sinha wrote that each of these films captured a different shade of Dharmendra’s personality  power, humor, vulnerability, charm  making him a complete actor in every sense.

An Immortal Presence

In his concluding note, Sinha stressed that Dharmendra will continue to live through the millions of hearts he touched, the art he created, and the values he embodied.

He ended his tribute with:

“You have left behind a huge vacuum no one can ever fill. You are truly irreplaceable.
Long live Dharamji. You will live in our hearts forever.”