Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once more poured out his heartfelt admiration for the late legendary actor Dharmendra, this time speaking on a global stage. His emotional tribute highlighted the deep personal and professional inspiration he drew from the veteran star, whom he considered a father figure.
A Father Figure Lost: Salman's Heartfelt Tribute
During a recent interaction at an international forum, Salman Khan fondly remembered Dharmendra, who passed away earlier. The 'Tiger' star emotionally stated, "I just lost a father figure—Dharma ji." He credited Dharmendra as a primary source of positive inspiration in his decades-long career in Hindi cinema. "I think he inspired me. I have always followed him and whatever I have done in my career… You know, I followed a hero, I followed Dharam ji," Salman expressed, underscoring the veteran's lasting impact.
The Essence of Dharam Ji: Nobility and Emotion
When probed about what made Dharmendra unforgettable, Salman Khan did not hesitate with his answer. He instantly recalled, "The man. He is a very noble man. Very good man. Very emotional man." This public declaration on December 22, 2025, adds to a long history of the actor's visible respect for Dharmendra. Previously, when Dharmendra was hospitalized, Salman was among the first to visit him. Later, upon the actor's passing, Salman broke down in tears while hosting the reality show Bigg Boss 19, showcasing their close bond to a national audience.
A Bond Beyond Blood: From Co-stars to Family
The affection between the two icons was mutual and well-documented. Over the years, several videos have shown them sharing warmth on various stages. Dharmendra often affectionately called Salman his "third son," a title placing him alongside his biological children, actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. This familial label highlighted the unique and tender relationship they shared, transcending typical industry friendships.
In other news, Salman Khan, who is gearing up for his 60th birthday, recently stunned fans with his exceptional fitness. He shared a gym photo on Instagram, captioning it, "I wish I could look like this when I am 60!" and noting it was just six days away. The actor, currently shooting for his upcoming film 'Galwan,' received widespread praise, including from producer Ekta Kapoor, who commented on his impressive physique.
