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Legendary Actor Dharmendra Passes Away: Indian Cinema Mourns an Icon


Legendary Actor Dharmendra Passes Away: End of an Era in Indian Cinema

Indian cinema today mourns the loss of one of its most celebrated legends — Dharmendra, the beloved “He-Man” of Bollywood, who passed away leaving behind a monumental legacy spanning over six decades.

Dharmendra, known for his effortless charm, emotional depth, and rugged screen persona, became one of India’s most adored stars since the 1960s. From romantic classics to action-packed dramas and heartwarming family entertainers, his versatility contributed immensely to shaping the golden era of Hindi cinema.

Born Dharam Singh Deol, he rose to become a household name through landmark films such as Sholay, Satyakam, Anupama, Seeta Aur Geeta, Chupke Chupke, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Dharam Veer. His on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini and his iconic partnership with Amitabh Bachchan created some of Bollywood’s most memorable moments.

Beyond the screen, Dharmendra was cherished for his humility, simplicity, and warmth — qualities that endeared him to colleagues, fans, and younger generations of actors alike.

The film fraternity has expressed profound grief, remembering him as a towering figure who defined the spirit of Hindi cinema. Tributes continue to pour in from across the world as fans commemorate his impact, influence, and artistry.

With his passing, Indian cinema loses not just a star, but a timeless storyteller whose work will continue to live on in the hearts of millions.

Entertainment

Podcast Host Alleges Threats After Amaal Mallik Speaks Up for Kartik Aaryan


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Mumbai, July 2025: The Hindi film industry finds itself in the eye of another storm, this time involving music composer Amaal Mallik, actor Kartik Aaryan, and podcast host Gaurav Thakur.

In a candid episode on Mirchi Plus, Amaal Mallik opened up about the “power games” and pressure tactics allegedly used by big producers and actors against Kartik Aaryan. Drawing a parallel to the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Mallik remarked on the recurring pattern of isolating outsiders in Bollywood.

“You can see that people are trying the same things, directly or indirectly, with Kartik Aaryan as well… Big producers, big actors, all of them do it,” Mallik stated, while praising Kartik for standing tall with the support of his family.

Shortly after the podcast went live on YouTube, host Gaurav Thakur claimed he began receiving threatening calls, asking him to take the episode down. In an Instagram Story, he wrote:

“I’ve been receiving threat calls asking me to take down the Amaal Mallik podcast because of the revelations he made.”

Thakur clarified that the conversation was not scripted and that Kartik’s PR team was not involved in orchestrating the episode. He firmly stated that he has no intention of removing the podcast.

The episode has triggered widespread reactions across social media. Fans on Reddit and X (Twitter) rallied behind Kartik Aaryan, calling out the alleged “mafia-like” structure of the industry. Many expressed concern, referencing past instances of toxic behavior within Bollywood’s power circles.

“They just want to erase him to protect their own group,” said one Reddit user, while another remarked, “It’s scary but not surprising.”

Kartik Aaryan, once an outsider with no industry backing, has built a solid career with hits like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Chandu Champion. Despite repeated reports of him being dropped from big-banner projects, Kartik continues to maintain a strong fan base and professional momentum.

He is now gearing up for a romantic musical opposite actress Sreeleela, and the industry will no doubt be watching closely.

This incident reopens the debate around gatekeeping in Bollywood, the pressure on independent artists, and the power of free speech in creative platforms. As discussions grow louder, voices like Mallik’s and Thakur’s may signal a new era of transparency, solidarity, and accountability in the industry.