The film industry continues to mourn the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, and one of the many heartfelt tributes came from acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee. Known for his powerful performances and grounded nature, Manoj Bajpayee showed deep respect for the late veteran by observing a minute’s silence in his honour and remembering him with sincere words and emotions.
Manoj Bajpayee was attending an event when the news of Dharmendra’s passing was mentioned. The atmosphere changed instantly, and the actor requested everyone present to stand up and maintain a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the beloved star. The hall fell completely silent, filled with people remembering the actor who had entertained, inspired and touched millions of lives over several decades.
After the silence, Manoj Bajpayee spoke with visible sadness about Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema. He said that Dharmendra was one of the most loved and respected actors in the country, someone who defined an era of Hindi films and left behind a legacy unmatched by anyone. Calling him a “true legend,” Manoj said that Dharmendra’s work will continue to live on for generations because stars like him are born only once in many years.
He further added that beyond being a great actor, Dharmendra was also an incredibly warm and humble person. Manoj Bajpayee said that whoever met Dharmendra even once could never forget the love and affection he showed. He had a natural charm, a big heart and an emotional side that made people feel comfortable around him. Manoj recalled how he grew up watching Dharmendra’s films and admiring the actor’s strong screen presence, versatility and effortless style.
Speaking about his admiration, Manoj said that Dharmendra inspired countless actors, including himself. Many young actors looked up to Dharam ji as the perfect example of how to balance talent, hard work and humility. He praised Dharmendra’s ability to perform intense action scenes, emotional moments and comedy with equal ease, something only a few actors in the industry can truly achieve.
Manoj Bajpayee also remembered some of Dharmendra’s most iconic films, including Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, Satyakam, Phool Aur Patthar, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. He said these films are not just popular movies; they are pieces of Indian cinematic history that audiences will continue to revisit forever. Every generation will discover Dharmendra’s charm and fall in love with his performances, ensuring that he lives on through his art.
Expressing his grief, Manoj said, “Bhagwan unki aatma ko shanti de,” offering his heartfelt condolences to Dharmendra’s family. He extended his sympathy to Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol and the entire Deol family, saying that the loss is deeply personal for them and also immensely painful for the entire film fraternity.
He emphasised that Dharmendra’s passing is not just the end of an era but the departure of a man who represented simplicity, strength and goodness. Manoj said that the industry has lost one of its pillars, and audiences have lost a hero who lived in their hearts for more than six decades.
As more tributes pour in from across the country, Manoj Bajpayee’s heartfelt gesture reflects the respect and love Dharmendra commanded among his colleagues. His minute-long silence and emotional words show how deeply the actor influenced people both inside and outside the film industry.
Manoj ended by saying that while Dharmendra may not be physically present anymore, his memories, films and the happiness he brought to millions will never fade. “Legends never die,” he said softly. “Dharam ji will always remain in our hearts.”
