Indian cinema is in mourning following the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at his residence in Mumbai. He was 89. The iconic star, affectionately known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” had been battling age-related health issues in his final weeks, including a recent hospitalisation for respiratory problems.
While the family is yet to release a formal statement, filmmaker Karan Johar publicly confirmed the news, marking the end of an unparalleled career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the heart of the film industry.
🎬 Professional Life: From Humble Beginnings to Cinematic Titan
Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra’s journey was the quintessential rags-to-riches story. He hailed from a modest Jat Sikh family, with his father working as a schoolteacher. Despite no connections to the industry, his passion for cinema was immense.
The Rise of a Star
Dharmendra’s career began after he won a national talent contest organized by Filmfare magazine.
- Debut: He made his cinematic debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960.
- Breakthrough: His major breakthrough came with the 1966 blockbuster Phool Aur Patthar, which established him as a leading man known for his rugged looks and emotional intensity.
- Versatility: He quickly showcased his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres. He was the charming romantic hero in films like Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966) and Anupama (1966), the master of comedy in classics like Chupke Chupke (1975), and the definitive action star in Dharam Veer (1977) and Hukumat (1987).
- The Veeru Era: His most globally recognized role remains the lovable rogue Veeru in Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 masterpiece, Sholay, a film that cemented his status as a cultural icon.
- Later Career: Even in his later years, he continued to enchant audiences, most recently earning praise for his heartwarming performance in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and his final released film, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). His upcoming film, Ikkis, will now be a posthumous release.
Accolades and Recognition
For his immeasurable contributions to Indian cinema, Dharmendra received numerous honours, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in 2012.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Personal Life: A Family Man’s Complex Journey
Dharmendra’s personal life, though often under media scrutiny, reflected his deep commitment to his family.
First Marriage and Sons
He first married Prakash Kaur in 1954, well before his entry into films. They had four children: two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, who followed in his footsteps to become successful actors, and two daughters, Ajeeta and Vijayta.
Marriage to Hema Malini
In 1980, Dharmendra married actress Hema Malini, his frequent co-star in blockbusters like Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay. This marriage, which happened while he was still married to Prakash Kaur, made headlines but formed another pillar of his family life. They have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Despite the complexities, Dharmendra remained a devoted father to all his children.
Political Stint
In addition to his cinematic journey, Dharmendra had a brief but memorable foray into politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from 2004 to 2009. He later admitted that the political arena was not suited to his temperament.
🙏 Tributes Pour In: “The End of an Era”
The news of Dharmendra’s passing triggered an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity, political figures, and fans globally.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tribute, stating his death marks “the end of an era in Indian cinema,” praising his charm, depth, and humility.
- Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote an emotional post: “It is an end of an ERA… a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI.”
- Superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and his own sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, were among the many celebrities who gathered at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai to pay their last respects, reflecting the immense respect he commanded across generations.
His legacy is not just the 300+ films he starred in, but the warmth, honesty, and simplicity he maintained throughout his life, forever earning him the title of the He-Man with a golden heart.
