Breaking News: A Cinematic Era Ends
Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, lovingly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 89 . The legendary actor had been in and out of South Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for several days due to age-related ailments before breathing his last at his Mumbai home .
Dharmendra, who would have turned 90 on December 8, was recently discharged from the hospital on November 12 and was believed to be stable while recovering at home . His final days were spent under medical care at his Juhu bungalow, surrounded by family .
The news has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading tributes to the iconic star. “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema,” Modi wrote on social media, acknowledging the actor’s phenomenal contributions to Indian films .
Key Facts About Dharmendra’s Passing
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Passing | November 24, 2025 |
| Age | 89 years (would have turned 90 on December 8) |
| Cause of Death | Age-related ailments |
| Recent Health History | In and out of Breach Candy Hospital for several days; discharged November 12 |
| Funeral Venue | Pawan Hans Crematorium, Vile Parle |
| Last Film Appearance | ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ (2024) |
| Upcoming Project | War drama ‘Ikkis’ (post-production) |
Final Farewell: Funeral Attended by Bollywood Icons
Dharmendra‘s last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle on Monday afternoon . His sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol performed the final rituals, with the entire family, including wife Hema Malini, present to bid farewell .
The funeral saw an unprecedented gathering of Bollywood’s biggest stars, demonstrating Dharmendra’s immense respect and popularity within the industry. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Anil Kapoor were among the prominent figures who attended to pay their respects .
Acharya Bhupendra Shastri, who performed the last rites, stated: “All the rituals have been performed. We pray for the salvation of the soul of the great actor. All the members of the family were present there. No one can fill his space. He was a gem for the country” .
A Health Journey: From Hospital to Home Care
Dharmendra’s health had been fluctuating in recent weeks. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital earlier in November for over 10 days before being discharged on November 12 .
At the time of his discharge, Dr. Pratit Samdani had stated: “Dharmendra was discharged at 7:30 am today. His family is taking care of him at their residence. Pray that his treatment and recovery continue smoothly” . The actor’s condition unfortunately deteriorated after returning home, leading to his passing on Monday morning .
The emotional toll on the family was visible when Sunny Deol was seen appealing to photographers stationed outside their home after his father’s discharge, saying, “Aap logon ko sharm aani chahiye… Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bachche hain…” while folding his hands in frustration .
An Unparalleled Legacy: Six Decades of Cinematic Excellence
From Punjab to Bollywood Stardom
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village, Ludhiana district, Punjab, he hailed from a Punjabi Hindu Jat family . His journey to stardom began when he won Filmfare magazine’s nationally organized new talent contest in 1958, which brought him from his village to Mumbai .
He made his film debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, for which he was paid just ₹51 . Little did the industry know that this newcomer would become one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring stars.
The Rise of ‘He-Man’ and ‘Garam Dharam’
Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades and 300 films, making him one of the most prolific actors in Indian cinema history . He gained popularity in the mid-1960s with films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke .
His tough, muscular physique and transition to action roles earned him the famous title of Bollywood’s “He-Man” . While he excelled in action films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) which established him as an action hero, he also showed incredible versatility across genres .
Iconic Films and Memorable Roles
- Sholay (1975): His portrayal of Veeru in this cult classic remains his most iconic role
- Satyakam (1969): Often cited as his finest dramatic performance
- Chupke Chupke (1975): Showcased his impeccable comic timing
- Seeta Aur Geeta (1972): Marked his successful pairing with Hema Malini
Despite his action hero image, Dharmendra displayed remarkable range, delivering acclaimed performances in serious dramas like Bandini (1963) and Anpadh (1962), while also excelling in romantic roles .
Beyond the Screen: The Man Behind the Star
Family and Personal Life
Dharmendra is survived by his two wives and six children. He married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, in 1954 before finding fame, and they had four children together: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, and Ajita Deol .
After starring alongside Hema Malini in several films, he married her in 1980, and they had two daughters: Esha and Ahana Deol . The family has been the cornerstone of the Deol legacy in Bollywood, with Sunny and Bobby following in their father’s footsteps as successful actors.
Political Career and Honors
Dharmendra also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) . Though he admitted that politics wasn’t his true calling, describing himself as a “misfit” in the field, he served his term .
His contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012, India’s third-highest civilian award .
Industry Tributes: An Outpouring of Love and Respect
The news of Dharmendra’s passing has triggered an overwhelming response from across the Indian film industry and beyond.
Kamal Haasan remembered him as “one of Indian cinema’s kindest icons,” while Rajinikanth bid farewell with “Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared” .
Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a heartfelt note recalling how Dharmendra and his family made her feel welcome in the industry when she was just a newcomer. “In the year 2001, my first signing amount in the movies came from Vijayta Films. One of the first Hindi movies I ever shot was under his banner, with his eldest son. Him and his family made me feel welcome in the industry at a time when no one knew me” .
Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, his co-star in classics like Satyakam and Chupke Chupke, remembered him as “a man of the earth” who never forgot his roots despite achieving monumental stardom .
Cricket legend Virat Kohli and other sporting personalities also joined in mourning, with Kohli calling Dharmendra “a true icon who inspired everyone who watched him” .
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the exact cause of Dharmendra’s death?
Dharmendra passed away due to age-related ailments . He had been in and out of South Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for several days before his passing .
Where and when was Dharmendra’s funeral held?
His last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai on Monday, November 24, 2025 . The ceremony was attended by family members and numerous Bollywood celebrities .
Who are Dharmendra’s survivors?
He is survived by his first wife Prakash Kaur and their four children (Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, and Ajita Deol), and his second wife Hema Malini and their two daughters (Esha and Ahana Deol) .
What was Dharmendra’s last film?
Dharmendra was last seen in the 2024 film ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ . He also had a recent appearance in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and was set to appear in the war drama ‘Ikkis’ at the time of his passing .
A Legacy That Will Shine Forever
Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cinema, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and film lovers. From his humble beginnings as a railway clerk to becoming one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars, his journey embodied the dreams of millions .
As filmmaker Karan Johar aptly summarized, his passing has left “a gaping hole in the industry… a space that can never be filled by anyone… there will always be one and only Dharmendra” .
The ‘He-Man’ may have left us, but through his extensive body of work spanning over 300 films, Dharmendra will remain immortal in the hearts of cinema lovers worldwide. His simple philosophy – “All I ever wanted was people’s love” – reflects the genuine connection he maintained with his audience throughout his extraordinary life and career .
Share your favorite Dharmendra memory or film in the comments below to celebrate his incredible legacy.
