The cricketing world and Bollywood are mourning the loss of a giant. Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89 . In the outpouring of grief, one tribute stands out for its raw emotion and personal connection: a heartfelt message from the Master Blaster himself, Sachin Tendulkar.
Tendulkar’s words, “Aisa lagta hai jaise mera 10 kilo khoon kam ho gaya hai” (It feels as if 10 kilos of my blood have vanished), have resonated deeply with fans across the nation . This isn’t just a celebrity paying respects; it’s a son mourning a fatherly figure. This unique bond between two icons from vastly different worlds is a beautiful testament to genuine human connection.
Table of Contents
- The Legend’s Departure
- Sachin Tendulkar Dharmendra Tribute: The Full Message
- The Origin of the Special Bond
- Decoding Dharmendra’s Love Language
- Why This Tribute Resonates So Deeply
- Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Respect
- Sources
The Legend’s Departure
Dharmendra, affectionately known as the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’, breathed his last at his residence in Juhu, Mumbai . His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he delivered countless iconic performances and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award . His death, attributed to age-related health issues after a month-long battle, has left a void that will be hard to fill .
Sachin Tendulkar Dharmendra Tribute: The Full Message
The Sachin Tendulkar Dharmendra tribute posted on X (formerly Twitter) was more than just a few lines of condolence. It was a window into a cherished personal relationship. Tendulkar wrote:
“I, like many others, took an instant liking to Dharmendra ji, the actor, who entertained us with his versatility. That on-screen bond became stronger off-screen when I met him. His energy was incredibly infectious, and he would always tell me, ‘Tumko dekhkar ek kilo khoon badh jaata hai mera.’ He had an effortless warmth, making everyone around him feel valued and special,” .
He concluded with the now-viral line, “Today, my heart feels heavy with his passing. Aisa lagta hai jaise mera 10 kilo khoon kam ho gaya hai. Will miss you,” . This poignant message perfectly captures the depth of his loss.
The Origin of the Special Bond
This wasn’t a friendship built on frequent public appearances, but on a genuine, warm connection. Their most famous meeting occurred in December 2021 during a chance encounter on a flight . The photo of the two legends together, beaming with smiles, went viral and gave fans a glimpse into their rapport .
From that point on, Dharmendra often referred to Tendulkar as his “mera pyaara beta” (my dear son) . This wasn’t just a casual term of endearment; it was a reflection of his deep affection. Their connection represented a beautiful intersection of India’s two biggest passions: cricket and cinema .
Decoding Dharmendra’s Love Language
A key to understanding their bond lies in Dharmendra’s unique way of expressing affection. His signature line to Sachin, “Tumko dekhkar ek kilo khoon badh jaata hai mera” (Seeing you increases my blood by a kilo), was his way of saying that Sachin’s presence gave him immense joy and vitality .
Therefore, when Sachin reciprocated with “10 kilo khoon kam ho gaya”, he was using Dharmendra’s own language of love to express the magnitude of his grief. It’s a powerful, intimate callback that only someone truly close to him would understand and use. This exchange reveals a level of comfort and mutual respect that is rare between public figures.
Why This Tribute Resonates So Deeply
In an age of often formulaic celebrity condolences, Tendulkar’s tribute stands out for its authenticity. Here’s why it has touched so many hearts:
- Personal over Public: It wasn’t a generic statement; it was a personal memory and a private joke shared between them.
- Emotional Authenticity: The rawness of his words, especially the “10 kilo khoon” line, conveys a genuine sense of personal loss.
- Relatable Language: Using a common, folksy Hindi idiom made the message feel down-to-earth and sincere, not crafted by a PR team.
- Celebrating a Unique Friendship: It highlighted a beautiful, cross-industry friendship that fans didn’t know much about, adding a new layer to both legends’ personas.
This heartfelt gesture is a reminder that behind the fame and accolades, these icons are humans capable of forming deep, meaningful connections. For more on the legacy of cricketing greats, check out our piece on [INTERNAL_LINK:greatest-cricket-legends].
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Respect
Dharmendra’s legacy is cemented not just in his filmography but also in the personal lives he touched. Sachin Tendulkar’s tribute is a beautiful chapter in that legacy, showcasing a father-son-like bond that transcended the glitz of Bollywood and the roar of the cricket stadium. Their story is a poignant reminder that true connections are built on mutual respect, shared joy, and the simple, infectious warmth that Dharmendra was known for. In mourning his loss, Tendulkar has given us all a glimpse into the heart of a true gentleman, both on and off the screen.