In the pantheon of Indian cinema, there are stars, there are superstars, and then there is Dharmendra—a name that ceased to be just a moniker and became an emotion for millions. Today, as the sun sets on the life of Bollywood’s original “He-Man,” we are not just mourning an actor; we are bidding farewell to the last vestige of a golden era that defined what it meant to be a hero.
Born Dharmendra Singh Deol in the quiet village of Sahnewal, Punjab, he arrived in Mumbai in 1958 with little more than a Filmfare talent award and dreams that were too big for his pockets.1 Over the next six decades, he did not just conquer the silver screen; he rewrote the rules of stardom.2 With a physique carved from granite and a smile that could melt glaciers, Dharmendra bridged the gap between the rugged masculinity of the soil and the soft, poetic vulnerability of a lover.
He was the man who could single-handedly take on an army of goons in Phool Aur Patthar and Dharam Veer, yet effortlessly dissolve into the gentle, sensitive soul of Anupama or the comic genius of Chupke Chupke. He was Veeru to our Jai, the “Garam Dharam” to the masses, and the handsome hero who swept the “Dream Girl” off her feet—both on and off-screen.
Despite delivering over 300 films and some of the biggest blockbusters in history—including the magnum opus Sholay—Dharmendra remained famously humble, often described as an “uncrowned king” who valued the love of his audience over trophies.3 His journey from the fields of Punjab to the heights of Juhu is not just a success story; it is the ultimate Indian dream.
As we look back at the life of this gentle giant who passed away at 89, we explore the man behind the muscles—the poet, the father, the husband, and the eternal legend who taught a nation that true strength lies in the kindness of one’s heart.
END OF AN ERA: Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra Passes Away at 89
Mumbai, November 24, 2025 – In a heartbreaking moment for Indian cinema, legendary actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, passed away today at his Juhu residence in Mumbai.2 He was 89.3
The veteran star, whose charisma and screen presence defined Hindi cinema for over six decades, breathed his last on Monday morning, weeks before his 90th birthday.4 His passing marks the end of a golden chapter in Bollywood history, leaving millions of fans and the entire film fraternity in mourning.5
The Final Goodbye
Reports confirm that Dharmendra had been battling age-related health issues for some time.6 He was recently discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, 2025, following treatment for respiratory complications.7 While he was recovering at home, his condition reportedly deteriorated early this morning.8
Visuals of an ambulance arriving at his Juhu bungalow earlier today sparked concern, followed by heavy security deployment.9 The news was subsequently confirmed by family sources and close industry associates.10 His mortal remains were taken to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, where the last rites are being performed.11
Industry in Shock: “An End of an Era”
Filmmaker Karan Johar was among the first to confirm the news with an emotional tribute on Instagram, calling it “the end of an era.”12
“A massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence…13 he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… Today there is a gaping hole in our industry,” Johar wrote.
As news broke, a wave of grief swept through Bollywood.14 Prominent figures, including Amitabh Bachchan—his co-star from the iconic Sholay—along with Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, were seen arriving at the crematorium to pay their final respects. Family members, including wife Hema Malini and children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol, were present by his side.15
A Legacy Unmatched
Born Dharmendra Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Punjab, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most versatile and loved stars in Indian film history.16
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The Action King: He earned the moniker “He-Man” for his shirtless, rugged avatars in films like Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Dharam Veer (1977).
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The Comic Genius: Despite his tough image, he possessed impeccable comic timing, immortalized in classics like Chupke Chupke (1975).
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The Romantic Hero: His soulful eyes and charm made him a favorite in romantic dramas like Anupama and Satyakam.17
His most iconic role remains arguably that of Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, where his chemistry with Hema Malini (Basanti) and Amitabh Bachchan (Jai) created cinematic history.
Over a career spanning more than 300 films, Dharmendra received numerous accolades, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and India’s third-highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan, in 2012. He continued to work well into his 80s, recently appearing in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and the upcoming war drama Ikkis.
The Final Curtain
Dharmendra is survived by his first wife Prakash Kaur, their sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Vijeeta and Ajeeta; and his second wife Hema Malini, and their daughters Esha and Ahana.
The Deol family has requested privacy during this difficult time.18 As the sun sets on the life of Bollywood’s original action hero, the industry bids farewell to a man who was not just a superstar, but a symbol of strength, warmth, and humility.19
Rest in Peace, Dharam Paaji.
LIVE UPDATE: Dharmendra’s Last Journey Begins; Industry Bids a Tearful Farewell
Mumbai, November 24, 2025 | 3:00 PM IST
The streets of Juhu and Vile Parle are awash with a sea of mourners today as Mumbai bids a final, tearful goodbye to the “He-Man” of Indian cinema. Veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away this morning at the age of 89, is being cremated at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle West.1
The legendary star, whose career spanned over six decades and 300 films, breathed his last at his Juhu residence earlier today after battling age-related ailments and respiratory issues.2 He had recently been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on November 12.3
Here are the detailed updates from the ground as the industry and fans come together to honor the cinema icon.
🔴 THE FINAL JOURNEY: KEY UPDATES
3:00 PM: Last Rites Performed
The last rites are currently being performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium.4 In a somber ceremony, Dharmendra’s eldest son, Sunny Deol, is performing the final rituals, lighting the funeral pyre as per traditional customs. He is standing alongside his brother Bobby Deol, both visibly grief-stricken. The atmosphere inside the crematorium is heavy with silence, broken only by the chanting of mantras.
2:30 PM: A Galaxy of Stars Descends
The crematorium has become a gathering point for the biggest names in Bollywood, spanning generations.5
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The Bachchans: In a poignant moment, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra’s partner-in-crime from Sholay, arrived with his son Abhishek Bachchan.6 The veteran superstar looked visibly emotional, having lost his “Veeru” today.
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The Khans: Aamir Khan was among the first to arrive to pay his respects.7 Salman Khan, who shares a close bond with the Deol family, has also reached the venue.8
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Industry Veterans: Sanjay Dutt, Salim Khan (who penned Sholay), and Rajkumar Santoshi are present.9 Filmmaker Karan Johar, who directed Dharmendra in his last major blockbuster Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, arrived earlier to pay homage.10
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Younger Generation: Actors like Zayed Khan and Pulkit Samrat have also been seen, marking the cross-generational impact of Dharmendra’s legacy.11
2:00 PM: The Family United in Grief
Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, arrived at the crematorium earlier, accompanied by her daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.12 The “Dream Girl” of Bollywood appeared shattered, supported by her children. The Deol family—including Dharmendra’s first wife Prakash Kaur’s children (Sunny, Bobby, Vijeeta, Ajeeta) and Hema Malini’s family—have presented a united front of strength during this tragic time.
1:30 PM: The Procession
The final journey began from Dharmendra’s landmark bungalow in Juhu.
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The Ambulance: His mortal remains were carried in an ambulance decked with white flowers.
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The Crowds: Despite heavy police security, thousands of fans broke barricades to run alongside the ambulance. Chants of “Dharam Paaji Amar Rahe” (Long Live Dharam Paaji) and “Bollywood Ka He-Man” echoed through the streets of Mumbai.
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Police Deployment: Mumbai Police have cordoned off the area around Vile Parle West to manage the massive crowds and VIP movement, causing significant traffic diversions in the area.
Tributes Pour In: “A Void That Cannot Be Filled”
Social media and news channels are flooded with tributes.
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Prime Minister’s Condolence: Political leaders, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, have expressed their sorrow, calling Dharmendra a “son of the soil” who remained connected to his roots.
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Karan Johar’s Statement: The filmmaker confirmed the news with a heartbreaking note: “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry…13 he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema.”
Background: The Final Chapter
Dharmendra had been facing health challenges for the past month.14 He was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in October due to breathlessness and was under the care of a team of specialists.15 Although he was discharged two weeks ago with hopes of recovery at home, his health deteriorated rapidly this morning.
He leaves behind a legacy that includes iconic films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, and Phool Aur Patthar.16 Even in his 80s, he remained active, with his upcoming film Ikkis, a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, set to be his posthumous release.17
As the flames of the pyre rise, Bollywood says goodbye to its most handsome, humble, and heroic star.18 Rest in Peace, Dharam Paaji.19