Mumbai, November 24, 2025 – In a moment that has shattered the hearts of millions and drawn a curtain on one of Hindi cinema’s most storied eras, legendary actor Dharmendra – the indomitable ‘He-Man’ whose rugged charisma and versatile genius lit up screens for over six decades – passed away this morning at his Juhu residence. The 89-year-old icon succumbed to age-related ailments around 7 AM, surrounded by his devoted family, just two weeks shy of his 90th birthday on December 8.
Confirmed by family sources and corroborated across multiple reports, Dharmendra’s departure comes after a challenging period marked by health concerns. Admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on October 31, 2025, for breathing difficulties, he was briefly placed in the ICU for observation before stabilizing. Discharged on November 12 around 7:30 AM, the actor returned home for continued recovery under medical supervision, with doctors making regular visits to monitor his condition. Earlier false alarms on November 11 had sparked widespread panic, with unverified death rumors flooding social media and prompting swift rebuttals from his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, who urged privacy and confirmed his stability at the time. Tragically, those prayers proved insufficient against the inevitable.
Born Dharam Singh Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in the modest village of Nasrali in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharmendra hailed from a Jat Sikh family. His father, Kewal Krishan Deol, was a school headmaster, and his mother, Satwant Kaur, instilled values of resilience that would define his life and roles. One of six siblings, young Dharam attended Government Senior Secondary School in Lalton Kalan and later Ramgarhia College in Phagwara, completing his education up to Class 12. A fitter at a tubewell in Sanewal by day, he harbored dreams of the silver screen, inspired by Hollywood icons like John Wayne and Gary Cooper.
From Village Dreams to Silver Screen Stardom
Dharmendra’s Bollywood odyssey began in 1958 when he won a nationwide talent hunt, earning a ticket to Mumbai. His debut came in 1960 with the romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, but it was the 1961 hit Shola Aur Shabnam that sparked his rise. Breakthrough arrived with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), a box-office juggernaut that netted him his first Filmfare Best Actor nomination and cemented his status as a leading man blending romance, action, and drama.
Over 300 films later, Dharmendra’s filmography reads like a chronicle of Hindi cinema’s golden age. He shone in Bimal Roy’s poignant Bandini (1963), earning critical acclaim opposite Nutan; the war epic Haqeeqat (1964); and the romantic Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), which fetched a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor nod despite his antagonistic role. The 1970s crowned him king with Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay (1975), where his Veeru – the loyal, wisecracking bandit – alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai, immortalized the line “Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge.” The film, India’s highest-grosser for years, won multiple honors, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
His chemistry with Hema Malini sparkled in 27 films, including Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Dost (1974), and Raja Jani (1972). Comedy found a master in Chupke Chupke (1975), while action thrived in Dharam Veer (1977) and The Burning Train (1980). Later, he produced Betaab (1983), launching son Sunny Deol, and Ghayal (1990), which clinched seven Filmfare Awards and another National Film Award. Even in his 80s, Dharmendra dazzled in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), earning praise for his spirited patriarch, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). His swan song, the war drama Ikkis (releasing December 25, 2025), opposite Agastya Nanda, will now serve as a poignant posthumous tribute.
Awards befitting a titan followed: Four Filmfare Best Actor nominations, the 1997 Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2012 Padma Bhushan (India’s third-highest civilian honor), and the 1990 National Film Award for Ghayal. Voted one of the world’s most handsome men in the 1970s, Dharmendra’s off-screen ventures included politics as a BJP MP from Bikaner (2004–2009) and production under Vijayta Films.
A Personal Saga: Love, Family, and Quiet Strength
Dharmendra’s life mirrored his films’ drama. Married at 19 to Prakash Kaur in 1954, he fathered sons Sunny (born 1956) and Bobby Deol (1967), both Bollywood stalwarts, and daughters Vijeta (1962) and Ajeeta (1966). His enduring romance with Hema Malini, met on Sholay‘s sets, led to a 1980 union – after converting to Islam to sidestep bigamy laws – yielding daughters Esha (1981) and Ahana Deol (1985), both actresses and dancers. Nephew Abhay Deol carried the family torch. Despite controversies, Dharmendra navigated with the grace of his screen personas, often crediting family as his anchor.
Tributes Pour In: A Nation Mourns, Stars Gather
The news rippled like a thunderclap, halting Mumbai’s bustle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt post, hailed Dharmendra as marking “the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.” President Droupadi Murmu, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Smriti Irani, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi echoed the grief, with Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren calling it “heartbreaking.”
Bollywood converged in sorrow at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, where last rites commenced around noon amid tight security and throngs of fans. Sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, flanked by Hema Malini, Esha, and Ahana, performed ceremonies in a haze of incense and chants. Amitabh Bachchan, his Sholay comrade, arrived teary-eyed. Salman Khan deemed him “the real action king,” Shah Rukh Khan “a legend who touched souls,” and Aamir Khan “an eternal inspiration.” Hema Malini, voice breaking, shared: “My life partner, my strength – he will always remain in my heart.” Filmmaker Karan Johar lamented “the end of an era,” while tributes from Jr NTR, Yuvraj Singh, and Allu Arjun flooded social media, trending #ThankYouDharmendra and #RIPDharmendra.
Virat Kohli posted: “Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him. May the family find strength in this tough time. My sincere condolences to the whole family. 🙏🙏” Dia Mirza remembered him as “a son of the soil. Rooted, humble, tender… Thank you for the cinema, the warmth, the gentleness. You live on.” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan noted: “The passing of Dharmendra leaves a deep void in the cultural memory of our nation. Over six decades, he brought to life unforgettable characters and classics like Sholay, earning admiration across India and abroad.”
A major film event was postponed, and fans lit candles outside his home, reciting dialogues from Sholay. Globally, re-runs of his classics surged, with the International Film Festival of India in Goa showcasing the ‘Jai-Veeru’ bike from Sholay mere hours before the news broke – a serendipitous nod to 50 years of cinematic ‘dosti’.
An Immortal Flame: Legacy Beyond the Stars
Dharmendra wasn’t just an actor; he was the pulse of an industry, bridging black-and-white romances to Technicolor spectacles. From village boy to global icon, his journey – marked by 300+ films, blockbuster hits, and a family dynasty – embodies Bollywood’s resilient spirit. As Sholay‘s restored 4K cut gears up for a December 12 re-release, and Ikkis awaits, his words ring true: heroism wrapped in heart.
Approach Bollywood extends profound condolences to the Deol family. Dharmendra may have exited stage left, but his roar echoes eternally. Om Shanti, Garam Dharam. Yeh dosti… hum nahi todenge.
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