Mumbai, India – During the grand finale of Bigg Boss 19 on December 7, 2025, Salman Khan became emotional while remembering the legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025. Khan lauded Dharmendra's sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, for the dignity and grace with which they conducted the funeral and prayer meeting.
Salman Khan, the host of Bigg Boss, has often spoken of Dharmendra as an inspiration and someone he has deeply admired throughout his career. A montage of Dharmendra's appearances on Bigg Boss was played during the finale, showcasing the veteran actor's charm and his warm interactions with Khan. As the video concluded, Salman Khan was visibly moved, struggling to hold back tears.
"We lost the He-Man. We lost the most amazing man. I don't think there is anyone better than Dharmji," Salman Khan expressed, his voice thick with emotion. He continued, "The way he lived life was king-size. He gave us Sunny, Bobby, and Esha. Since the day he joined the industry, he only wanted to work. He did so many roles. My career graph… I have only followed Dharmji. He came with an innocent face and a He-Man's body. That charm stayed with him till the end. Love you, Dharmji. Will always miss you".
Khan also acknowledged the immense outpouring of love for Dharmendra on social media following his death. He then shared that Dharmendra's passing coincided with his own father's birthday on November 24th, and his mother's birthday the day after. "If I'm feeling like this, imagine what Sunny and his family must be going through," he said.
Turning his attention to Sunny and Bobby Deol, Salman Khan praised the brothers for the manner in which they honored their father's memory. "There were two funerals conducted with utmost dignity: Sooraj Barjatya's mother's and Dharmji's," Salman noted. "They held his prayer meet with so much grace and honour. Everyone was crying, but there was a decorum — a celebration of life. Hats off to Bobby and Sunny. Every funeral and prayer meeting should be conducted this beautifully". He further added that the prayer meet was one of the most dignified and graceful gatherings he had ever attended.
Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89, had a long and illustrious career in Bollywood. He was known for his versatility and his ability to connect with audiences. He had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for respiratory distress, passing away shortly after being discharged.
Salman Khan's heartfelt tribute underscores the high regard in which Dharmendra was held by the film industry and his countless fans. His words also shone a light on the grace and strength displayed by Sunny and Bobby Deol during a difficult time, honoring their father’s legacy with immense dignity.
