"The entire nation has suffered a massive shock"
Salman Khan paid an emotional tribute to Dharmendra during the Weekend Ka Vaar episode on Bigg Boss 19.
The legendary star passed away at the age of 89, sending shockwaves across the entertainment industry and throughout India.
Tributes from Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and others soon followed, but Salman’s public grief stood out because of the deep bond he shared with Dharmendra.
Salman addressed Dharmendra’s passing on the reality show, looking visibly emotional.
He said: “This past week has passed with prayers, supplications and tears.
“The entire nation has suffered a massive shock, the fans have been deeply shaken, and the industry has received a huge blow.
“I guess you understand who I’m talking about.
“Anyway, God bless his soul. I wish I wasn’t doing this week’s Weekend Ka Vaar, but life goes on.”
The clip circulated on social media and Salman’s tribute was praised by netizens.
One person suggested a special tribute episode of Bigg Boss 19, with Bobby and Sunny Deol:
“Hope he calls Bobby and Sunny sir on the show soon for an emotional episode for a tribute.”
Dharam paji’s beloved #SalmanKhan talking about Dharam ji in #BigBoss ??????.#Dharmendrapic.twitter.com/TfvJPKy3hm
— LegendDeols (@LegendDeols) November 30, 2025
Salman Khan’s tribute comes a few days after he attended a prayer meet at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, to honour Dharmendra’s memory.
He arrived under tight security as fans and media gathered outside.
Salman Khan’s bond with Dharmendra has been a long one, stretching back to the beginning of the former’s career.
Salman has often said that he closely followed Dharmendra’s work and presence in the industry. At a press conference for his Da-Bangg Tour in Qatar, he said:
“Before I entered the industry, there were two or three people, and Dharmendra was the foremost among them.
“He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back.”
Dharmendra shared the same affection.
In a past episode of Bigg Boss, Dharmendra said:
“Well, I would call him [Salman] my son. I have three sons, all of whom are emotional, self-respecting, and truthful…
“But this one is more like me because he is colourful like me.”
The viewing of Dharmendra as a father figure has been echoed by other celebrities, with Kapil Sharma saying he felt like he lost his father for a second time.
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