His presence was magnetic: Priyanka Chopra Jonas mourns Dharmendra's demise

New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas penned a lengthy note on her social media on Monday as she remembered late Bollywood actor Dharmendra, calling his demise "a big loss for cinema".

The "Sholay" actor breathed his last on Monday, aged 89. His acting career spanned over six decades.

Priyanka made her Hindi cinema debut with "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy" alongside Sunny Deol, the eldest son of Dharmendra. The 43-year-old actor recalled how the entire Deol family made her "feel welcomed in the industry" when she was just a newcomer.

"In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films ( production company founded by Dharmendra in 1981). One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son. Him in and his family, made me feel welcome in the industry at a time when no one knew me. Very few people are capable of that kind of warmth and grace, towards a complete newcomer, who didn’t know anyone in Mumbai," she wrote in her post.

The "Heads of State" actor added, "I have known the Deol family since the beginning of my career. This feels personal, and I know I share that feeling with many others in the world. Some people leave behind films, some leave behind feelings. He has left us with both. His presence was magnetic. He filled up a frame with his smile and charisma like only he could." "This is a big loss for cinema, but his legacy is permanent. As I type this note on a film set, in between shots, I think about how so many of us will always be inspired by him. He had a dream and made it come true.. and carried his family along. A true blue Hindi film Hero. Rest in paradise, Dharamji. My condolences to the entire Deol family," she concluded. PTI ATR ATR ATR