Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, fondly remembered as the He-Man of Indian cinema, passed away on November 24, 2025, at his Mumbai residence. He was 89, just weeks away from celebrating his 90th birthday. His family confirmed the news, leaving the entire nation mourning the loss of one of its most beloved screen legends.
Dharmendra had recently returned home after over ten days of treatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted following breathing difficulties. Though his health briefly improved, age-related complications ultimately led to his peaceful passing.
Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935, Dharmendra rose from humble beginnings in Punjab to become one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic faces. Debuting with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, he went on to feature in more than 300 films over six decades — a rare achievement matched by very few. His charm, effortless masculinity, comic timing and emotional depth made him a true all-rounder on screen.
From Phool Aur Patthar, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Anupama and Satyakam, to unforgettable classics like Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Pratiggya, Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer and Seeta Aur Geeta, Dharmendra embodied every role with sincerity and heart. In the 1970s, he was also voted among the world’s most handsome men, a testament to his immense global appeal.
A Padma Bhushan awardee, Dharmendra also briefly served as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner after joining the BJP in 2004. Though politics was not where his heart lay, he remained respected for his sincerity and grounded nature.
Tributes poured in from across India — from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to actors across generations. Colleagues remembered him as “pure warmth,” “evergreen,” and a “hero who lived in people’s hearts, not just their screens.”
Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini and his six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol. His legacy will continue through his timeless films and the generations of artists inspired by his work. His final appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis, set to release posthumously.
As India bids farewell to one of its greatest cinematic icons, Dharmendra lives on — in the stories he told, the characters he immortalised, and the hearts he touched for more than 60 years.
May his soul rest in peace.
