"To me, it felt like I lost my father..."
Kapil Sharma shared an emotional tribute to Dharmendra, saying the veteran actor’s death felt like he had lost a father figure for the second time.
Speaking at the trailer launch of Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, he reflected on their close bond and the deep void left by the legendary star.
He said, “Dharam ji, sab jaante bhi hai, ki wo mere liye kya the,” highlighting how personal this loss felt.
Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, sparking an outpouring of grief across the Indian film industry.
Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aamir Khan were among those present at his funeral, demonstrating the enormous respect he commanded across generations.
Kapil Sharma said he felt the loss in a way that reminded him of losing his father at 22.
He said he missed the years when one learns the most from a parent, and Dharmendra unknowingly filled that space for him.
He added, “To me, it felt like I lost my father for the second time,” expressing a grief shared by millions of fans.
Sharma said that while it is natural for people to leave the world, one always wishes for more time with those who are genuinely good.
He described Dharmendra as someone who “lived like a king,” admired for his generosity, charm, and humility.
He insisted that there would never be another personality like him again.
Sharma recalled that he first met Dharmendra on a flight to Toronto, where the actor instantly made him feel at ease.
He said the legendary star shared jokes with him throughout the journey, forming a friendship that felt incredibly natural.
When he later moved to Mumbai to launch The Kapil Sharma Show in 2016, Dharmendra became the first star to support him.
Sharma said no celebrities initially agreed to appear because the concept, channel, and production house were unfamiliar.
He remembered calling Dharam paaji and requesting a meeting, where the actor asked no questions before agreeing.
Sharma said Dharmendra turned to his team member and told her, “He is my son, take out a date for him, no matter what.”
Dharmendra’s death marks the end of one of Indian cinema’s most extraordinary eras.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, he began his career in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, starting a journey that shaped Hindi film history.
He became celebrated as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, known for his striking looks, powerful presence, and magnetic screen charm.
His performances in classics such as Phool Aur Patthar in 1966, Satyakam in 1969, and the iconic Sholay in 1975 cemented his legendary status.
In early November, Dharmendra’s health began to decline, creating worry among fans who closely followed every update.
The situation escalated when media outlets incorrectly reported his death on November 11, prompting strong condemnation from his family.
The false news created confusion before being clarified, but the reality became undeniable on November 24.
Filmmaker Karan Johar confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling it the end of a monumental era.
He described Dharmendra as “a massive megastar” with an enigmatic presence, praising him as “the best human being” he had ever known.
Johar said his legacy remains deeply rooted in cinema history and will continue to inspire generations.
Dharmendra will appear posthumously in Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
Fans are preparing to honour his memory through this final performance, celebrating a lifetime of dedication to his craft.
Meanwhile, Kapil Sharma’s Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, directed by Anukalp Goswami and produced by Ratan Jain, Ganesh Jain, and Abbas-Mustan, will release on December 12.
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