💔 End of an Era: Bollywood Legend Dharmendra Passes Away at 89
MUMBAI — Veteran Bollywood actor and cinematic icon Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, affectionately known as the ‘He-Man’ and ‘Garam Dharam,’ passed away at his residence in Mumbai on Monday, November 24, 2025, just weeks before his 90th birthday. The actor, whose illustrious career spanned over six decades and 300 films, had been grappling with age-related and heart ailments in recent months.
The news of his demise sent shockwaves through the film fraternity and the nation, marking the end of one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and enduring personalities.
🙏 Final Journey and Family Tributes
The final rites were conducted in a private ceremony at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, on Monday evening. The funeral was attended by his immediate family, including his wife, actress Hema Malini, his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and his daughters, along with a stream of Bollywood legends.
Among those who arrived to pay their respects were former co-star Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and filmmaker Karan Johar, reflecting the immense respect Dharmendra commanded across generations of the industry.
🎬 A Six-Decade Legacy
Dharmendra’s magnetic screen presence, rugged good looks, and rare blend of vulnerability and action hero persona defined an era. Born in a village in Punjab, his journey from a village boy to a national heartthrob is one of Bollywood’s most inspiring tales.
His filmography is a tapestry of genres, showcasing unparalleled versatility:
- The Romantic Hero: Phool Aur Patthar, Anupama, and his iconic pairing with Hema Malini in hits like Seeta Aur Geeta and Dream Girl.
- The Action Star: Earning the moniker ‘He-Man’ in the 70s and 80s with blockbusters like Dharam Veer, Pratiggya, and Hukumat.
- The Comic Genius: His flawless comic timing in classics like Chupke Chupke remains a gold standard.
- The Legend: His immortal role as the lovable rogue ‘Veeru’ in the 1975 epic Sholay cemented his status as a cultural phenomenon.
In 1997, he was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2012, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his exceptional contributions to cinema.
🌟 The Last Bow
Dharmendra continued to grace the screen in his later years, captivating a new generation of audiences. His poignant role in Karan Johar’s 2023 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was widely celebrated. His final screen appearance will be a posthumous one in Sriram Raghavan’s war drama, Ikkis, scheduled for a December release.
🕊️ Tributes Pour In
Condolences poured in from the highest echelons of the country, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing their grief.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted on X (formerly Twitter), “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality… admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth.”
Filmmaker Karan Johar penned an emotional note, stating, “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry… there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI. We love you kind Sir.” South Indian superstars, including Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi, also mourned the loss, emphasizing his warmth and enduring appeal that transcended regional boundaries.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. His legacy—a blend of raw talent, charm, and deep humility—will continue to inspire actors and entertain millions for decades to come