'Varanasi' actress Priyanka Chopra shares emotional note for veteran actor Dharmendra: 'Him and his family made me feel welcome in the industry when...'

Dharmendra had an experience of over six decades in front of the camera. The moment the name appears or arrives or is even heard, we think of a solid man, the son of the soil, a man with fists of iron and heart of gold.

And someone with a tough exterior. But given the actor and his relentless spirit to contribute to Hindi cinema, he was the most vulnerable of the artists who blows the celluloid with his spectacularly vociferous and versatile performances. Dharmendra was more than just An Action Hero.

Priyanka Chopra remembered the late actor fondly and emotionally as she wrote this in his memories:

“In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films. One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son. Him and his family, made me feel welcome in the industry, at a time when no one knew me.”

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The actress added, “Very few people are capable of that kind of warmth and grace, towards a complete newcomer, from Bareilly, who didn’t know anyone in Mumbai. I have known the Deol family since the beginning of my career. I’ve worked in multiple movies with Sunny and Bobby. This feels personal, and I know I share that feeling with many others in the world.

In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films.

One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son.
Him and his family, made me feel welcome in the industry, at a time when no one knew me.
Very few people are… pic.twitter.com/e2LUytbvTp

— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) November 24, 2025

As I type this note on a film set, in between shots, I think about how so many of us will always be inspired by him. Hailing from a small town with no Godfather and big dreams.. he made a permanent mark in a tough industry.. and he carried his family along.”

Dharmendra's final rites were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, which was attended by the superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and others. Post the final rites, several stars visited the late actor’s residence to extend their condolences to the family of Dharmendra.