Breaking News: Dharmendra, a Bollywood actor of easygoing machismo who became one of India’s most versatile stars, died in Mumbai at 89.

Dharmendra in 2023. “There’s no role he cannot do,” his biographer said. “You cannot slot him into a pigeonhole.”Credit...Sujit Jaiswal/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

---

Breaking News: Dharmendra, Bollywood’s Iconic “He-Man,” Passes Away at 89

Date: November 24, 2025

Place: Mumbai, India

---

A Legend’s Final Chapter

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra (born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol) has died at the age of 89, ending a six-decade-long legacy that defined an era of Indian cinema. He passed away in his Mumbai residence, after a brief illness. 

---

The Illness and Last Days

In early November, Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to respiratory issues. 

Reports say he was on ventilator support starting November 10. 

On November 12, he was discharged to continue his recovery at home. 

He passed away on November 24, just two weeks before his 90th birthday (which would have been December 8, 2025).

---

Funeral and Tributes

His last rites were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. 

Several Bollywood heavyweights attended: Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and others were seen paying their respects. 

Political and cultural figures also mourned his passing. PM Narendra Modi called his death “the end of an era,” highlighting Dharmendra’s charm and depth in diverse roles. 

.

.

---

Dharmendra: Celebrating the Life, Legacy, and Stardom of Bollywood’s Beloved He-Man

A Star Larger Than Cinema

Dharmendra’s passing at 89 is not just the death of a legendary actor — it is the closing of an era that shaped Indian popular culture for more than six decades. For millions, Dharmendra was not merely a film star; he was an emotion. His rugged charm, poetic eyes, powerful physique, and dignified humility made him one of the most loved personalities in Indian cinema.

His death leaves behind an ocean of memories — from thunderous applause in single-screen theatres to the familiarity of family movie nights featuring Sholay or Chupke Chupke. Few actors in the world have enjoyed such cross-generational affection.

---

The Journey From Punjab to Pan-India Stardom

Dharmendra was born on December 8, 1935, in Sahnewal, near Ludhiana in Punjab. Coming from a conservative Punjabi family, he nurtured dreams of films far from the glitz of Bombay. His breakthrough came when he won the Filmfare New Talent Award in the late 1950s, prompting him to shift to Mumbai.

But success did not come overnight. He faced hardship, rejection, and financial struggle — something he often spoke of in interviews with nostalgic humility. What set him apart was his perseverance and unmistakable screen presence. Eventually, his dedication paid off.

By the mid-1960s, he emerged as one of Bollywood’s most sought-after romantic heroes, starring alongside actresses like Meena Kumari, Nanda, Mala Sinha, and Nutan.

---

The Transformation: From Romantic Hero to “He-Man”

If the 60s showed Dharmendra the lover-boy, the 70s stamped him as the ultimate action star.

He was perhaps India’s first true “macho hero,” earning the nickname He-Man of Bollywood long before fitness became a trend. He performed his own stunts — often jumping from runaway trains, climbing cliffs, or fighting off multiple villains with raw agility.

But what made him unique was his emotional depth. Despite his action star image, he excelled in comedy and romance with equal finesse.

Iconic Roles That Defined Dharmendra

Veeru – Sholay (1975)

The fun-loving, flirtatious, loyal friend. One half of the iconic Jai-Veeru duo.

Professor Parimal – Chupke Chupke (1975)

A comedic masterpiece that remains evergreen.

Shaka – Phool Aur Patthar (1966)

The film that turned him into a superstar.

Vijay – Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

A musical-action film still cherished.

Raja – Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

A feel-good cult classic.

His on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini remains one of Bollywood’s most memorable, producing hits like Dream Girl, Dost, and Jugnu.

---

A Man of Simplicity Behind the Stardom

For all his fame, Dharmendra remained a humble, grounded Punjabi at heart.

He loved:

Farming

Spending time at his Lonavala farmhouse

Writing poetry

Cooking Punjabi food

Sharing rustic, heartwarming videos on social media

Even in his 80s, fans adored his relatable charm — whether he sat on a tractor, sang old songs, or shared remembered lines from poetry.

---

His Political Career

Dharmendra served as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner (2004–2009). Although he was not deeply active politically, his popularity ensured a strong connection with the people of Rajasthan. He often expressed that his true love always remained cinema and family.

---

The Family Legacy: A Filmy Dynasty

Dharmendra’s family is one of Bollywood’s most respected film dynasties.

With Prakash Kaur

Sunny Deol — Actor, politician

Bobby Deol — Actor

Vijeta Deol

Ajeeta Deol

With Hema Malini

Esha Deol — Actress

Ahana Deol — Classical dancer

Sunny and Bobby continue to carry forward the Deol legacy, both enjoying renewed stardom in recent years.

---

The Final Bow: His Last Film

Dharmendra’s last on-screen appearance will be in the upcoming film Ikkis, set to release in late 2025. Even in his old age, he approached acting with grace, passion, and enthusiasm — a reminder that some artists never truly retire.

---

What Dharmendra Leaves Behind

Dharmendra’s legacy is monumental:

✔️ More than 300 films

✔️ Six decades of superstardom

✔️ One of India’s first mass-appeal action heroes

✔️ A pioneer of comedy and romance

✔️ A self-made legend

✔️ A family of actors carrying his name forward

But most importantly, he leaves behind millions of hearts that he touched.

His charisma was natural. His emotions were genuine. He represented a time when films had innocence, heroes had warmth, and stardom had dignity.

---

A Farewell to the He-Man

Dharmendra’s death is not merely a news event — it is a moment of collective nostalgia. For many Indians, he symbolized the golden era of cinema: times when families watched films together, when heroes were uncomplicated, and when emotions were pure.

As fans, actors, and leaders mourn him, one truth stands above all:

**Legends never die.

They live on through the stories, the songs, and the memories they leave us.**

Dharmendra will forever remain the heart of Indian cinema — its gentle giant, its romantic rogue, its beloved Veeru.

---

---

A Versatile Superstar

Dharmendra starred in over 300 films across more than 60 years. 

He was known for his versatility: romantic hero, comic actor, rugged action star. 

His most iconic role is arguably Veeru in Sholay (1975), one of Indian cinema’s most beloved films. 

Other memorable films include Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, and many more. 

---

Personal Life & Legacy

Born in Ludhiana, Punjab in December 1935. 

He married Prakash Kaur in 1954 before his stardom, and later married actress Hema Malini (without divorcing his first wife). 

His children include actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol, among others. 

He was honored with the Padma Bhushan (2012) for his contribution to Indian cinema. 

Beyond acting, he served as a Member of Parliament (2004–2009). 

---

Final Film & Enduring Image

His last film is Ikkis, a war biopic set to release on December 25, 2025. 

Dharmendra earned the nickname “He-Man of Bollywood”, thanks to his rugged masculinity, screen presence, and effortless charm. 

Even in his later years, he maintained a down-to-earth persona: he shared videos on social media of driving tractors, working on his farm, and promoting healthy, simple living. 

---

Why His Death Resonates

1. End of an Era: His passing symbolizes the fading of the golden generation of Bollywood action-romance heroes.

2. Cultural Impact: Films like Sholay are part of India’s collective cinematic memory; Dharmendra’s dialogues and presence influenced generations.

3. Legacy Through Family: His children continue to be significant figures in Bollywood, carrying forward his legacy.

4. Versatility: He wasn’t just an action hero; he excelled at comedy, romance, and more, making him relatable and timeless.

5. Public Affection: Across politics, film, and the public, the outpouring of grief shows how deeply he was loved — not just as a star, but as a human being.

---