By Harshit
MUMBAI, NOV. 24, 2025 —
Indian cinema lost one of its most towering figures on Monday morning as veteran actor Dharmendra, widely celebrated as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89. According to police sources at the Pawan Hans cremation ground, the legendary star died of age-related complications after weeks of declining health.
Dharmendra had been battling health issues for over a month and was recently discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, where he underwent routine medical tests and remained admitted for nearly ten days. Despite family clarifications that his reports were normal and that he was recovering at home, speculation and misinformation about his health circulated widely on social media in recent weeks.
A Somber Morning in Mumbai
Security was strengthened outside Dharmendra’s Juhu residence early Monday as an ambulance was seen arriving with members of the Deol family. Shortly afterward, the family moved with the ambulance to Pawan Hans Crematorium, where his last rites were performed.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon, some of the biggest names in Indian cinema made their way to Pawan Hans to pay their final respects. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and others were photographed arriving to stand with the grieving Deol family.
Dharmendra’s wife Hema Malini and their daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, along with his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, were present during the final moments and the cremation ceremony.
Among the earliest tributes came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called Dharmendra’s passing the “end of an era,” acknowledging his monumental contributions to Indian cinema across more than six decades.
Industry Grieves the Loss of a Legend
Soon after the news broke, tributes began flooding social media from actors, directors, writers, and public figures moved by Dharmendra’s warmth, humility, and unshakeable star presence.
Director Karan Johar wrote that the industry had lost “a massive megastar… the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema,” adding that there would “never be another Dharamji.” Actor Pulkit Samrat, sharing an old photo of the icon, called him “a father figure to generations of cinema lovers.”
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, sharing nostalgic pictures, wrote that Dharmendra’s passing marked “the end of an era in Indian cinema,” remembering him as vibrant, humorous, and full of heart.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, sharing photos of her grandfather Raj Kapoor with Dharmendra, captioned one with “Forever in power,” and another with “Chardi Kala,” highlighting the Sikh belief in an ever-rising spirit.
A Storied Career Spanning Over 300 Films
Born December 8, 1935, Dharmendra Deol rose from humble beginnings in Punjab to become one of the most beloved stars in Hindi cinema. His career took flight in the early 1960s, and he soon established himself as a leading man known for his rugged charm, emotional depth, and unmatched screen presence.
He delivered some of Bollywood’s most iconic performances in films such as:
- Sholay
- Phool Aur Patthar
- Satyakam
- Anupama
- Seeta Aur Geeta
- Chupke Chupke
- Dream Girl
- The Burning Train
- Dharam Veer
His ability to switch seamlessly between action, drama, and comedy earned him admiration across generations. Dharmendra worked with the most respected directors of his era and was widely regarded as one of the most versatile actors of Indian cinema.
His on-screen pairing with Hema Malini remains one of Bollywood’s most cherished legacies.
Health Concerns and His Final Days
Dharmendra had been facing age-related issues for several years, and his stay at Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month sparked widespread concern. The Deol family repeatedly urged fans to avoid circulating unverified information.
Despite his health issues, the actor made an unexpected on-screen comeback this month with a new trailer for his film “Ikkis,” released 12 days after his hospital discharge. Fans celebrated hearing his iconic voice again.
Among those who visited him during his recent hospitalization were Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and many others, reflecting the deep respect he commanded across the industry.
A Farewell to the He-Man of Bollywood
Dharmendra’s cremation at Pawan Hans drew some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, underscoring the void his passing leaves behind. Crowds gathered outside to bid farewell to the star who defined masculinity, romance, and heroism on screen for more than six decades.
His legacy—across more than 300 films, spanning drama, comedy, romance, and action—remains etched in the collective memory of Indian cinema.
Dharmendra would have turned 90 next month.