Published on: Dec 02, 2025 04:18 pm IST
Jeetendra reflects on his deep bond with Dharmendra, expressing grief over the loss of a dear friend on Indian Idol 16.
Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra left the entire industry mourning after his death on November 24. Now, the reality singing show Indian Idol 16 is set to honour the late actor in their upcoming episode, for which the makers have invited his friend and Dharam Veer co-star Jeetendra to pay him a tribute.
Jeetendra pays emotional tribute to Dharmendra on Indian Idol 16
The official social media page of Sony TV shared the promo of the upcoming episode. In the video, the veteran actor can be seen getting emotional during one of the special segments dedicated to the late actor, Dharmendra. The promo begins with a voice saying, “Jeetendra ji has arrived to remember his friend.”
This is followed by Jeetendra remembering Dharmendra and saying, “Bhut hi nek insaan the, meri life main unka bahut bada contribution hai (He was a very kind person and made a tremendous contribution to my life).” Singer and rapper Badshah, who is also one of the judges on Indian Idol 16, was also seen fighting back tears. The episode will air on Sony TV this weekend.
Dharmendra and Jeetendra’s bond
Jeetendra shared the screen with Dharmendra in several films such as Dharam Veer, The Burning Train, Samraat, Insaaf Ki Pukar, Nafrat Ki Aandhi, Paappi Devataa and Hum Sab Chor Hain. On the veteran actor’s death, Jeetendra expressed his grief and told Times of India, “I don’t have words right now to express the intensity of emotion in my heart! I’ve lost a friend, more a brother to me! Even though we met less frequently in the last few decades, our friendship has always stood the test of time. An everlasting connection that went far beyond the professional equation we shared as co-actors in the several films we made together. The moments we shared shall live on forever in my heart. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Dharam ji!”
About Dharmendra’s death
The He-Man of Bollywood was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to health issues in November. On November 10, reports of the actor’s death surfaced online, leaving fans worried. However, his daughter Esha Deol and wife Hema Malini clarified that the actor was alive and recovering. Later, the Deol family took the veteran actor to their family home in Juhu for recovery. On November 24, Dharmendra died at the age of 89 and was cremated at Pawan Hans crematorium in the presence of his family. The actor is survived by two wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur, and six children, including Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol.
