Veteran Actor Dharmendra Passes Away at 89: Bollywood Mourns Its Iconic ‘He-Man’

Mumbai, November 24, 2025 – In a blow to the Indian film industry, the legendary actor Dharmendra, who enjoyed many years of fame as the He-Man of Bollywood, died on Monday at the ripe age of 89. The entertainment industry was rocked by the news, which was met with an outburst of sorrow by the colleagues, fans and political leaders in the country.

It was confirmed that Dharmendra, who has been under medical treatment in recent weeks, died early this morning at his house in Mumbai. He was earlier this month released on a city hospital because he had respiratory complications, but apparently his condition deteriorated overnight. Prior to his death, family members were there.

It has not taken too long before social media was inundated by tributes after the news broke, and fans and celebrities could not come to terms with the loss. In minutes, the film associations and big production houses and studios came out with statements that referred to his death as “the end of an era” for Indian cinema.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was deeply saddened and described Dharmendra as “a towering figure whose warmth matched his stardom.” The Union ministers and chief ministers, among other political leaders, referred to him as “a national treasure” and left a permanent mark on Indian culture.

Dharmendra was born on the 8th of December 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab and joined the film industry in 1960 after winning a talent contest and soon became a household name in the Indian movie industry. He appeared in over 300 films, and the legacy he left behind is an example that not many actors have ever equalled.

It all came to fruition in the 1970s when a series of blockbusters placed him on screen as the rough yet sexy action hero of the nation. However, his appearance as Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay made him a cultural icon. His natural charm, perfect timing and great presence on the screen made the character memorable, and he got himself a niche in the history of cinema.

Although he had excelled in action movies, Dharmendra was equally versatile in other movies. Whether it was the comic genius of Chupke Chupke or the pathos of Satyakam and the romanticism of Anupama, he gave them performances which generations of viewers still treasure. He was one of the most versatile and popular stars of Bollywood due to his ability to alternate between dramatic and light comedy.

Cinema personalities flocked to his Mumbai home in the morning, where the security was increased, with people now starting to gather outside. Actors Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hema Malini and many others were among the first to enter and support the bereaved family. Several were really showing their emotions, and some of them did not even want to speak to the press.

It was discovered later that the mortal body of the actor was transported to the Vile Parle crematorium, and the final rites were performed in the presence of a large number of fans and industry associates. They came in hundreds to have a final view of the star who had been in their lives for so many decades. Flowers, candles and handwritten notes were all over the entrance with admirers coming to pay their respects.

Dharmendra has a first wife, Prakash Kaur, two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta. He is also left behind by his second wife, actress Hema Malini, and their daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. His family, which is Bollywood royalty, made a short statement asking them to allow them their privacy as they appreciated the love and prayers of their fans.

The television stations and streaming platforms are making ready tribute lists of his most popular movies as the industry grieves. The film bodies as well are organizing commemorations in Mumbai and Delhi within the next few days.

The death of Dharmendra is a momentous event in Indian film history. He was not only a star, but a representative of a time of honesty, power and incomparable appeal. His work is bound to live in every frame he left behind, and his work will inspire more generations.