Bollywood Icon Dharmendra Dies At 89
✍️ By Teju/ November 24, 2025/ 4:54pm
The world of Indian cinema mourns today as Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars, passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai. His death marks the end of an era for an actor whose career defined mainstream Hindi films for six decades.
Known affectionately as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol, was celebrated for his rugged charm, charisma, and versatility. He began his journey in films after winning a talent contest in 1960, and soon became one of the favourite leading men of his generation.
Over his remarkable career, Dharmendra acted in more than 300 films, ranging from action-packed blockbusters to romantic classics and comedies. His role in the iconic 1975 film Sholay (where he starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan) remains forever etched in cinematic history.
Off-screen, Dharmendra’s life was as colourful as his on-screen persona. He married Prakash Kaur before his rise to fame, and later tied the knot with actress Hema Malini in 1980, without divorcing his first wife. He fathered six children, including Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol, several of whom followed him into the film industry.
Beyond his acting career, Dharmendra also briefly served in politics. He was a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
In the days leading up to his death, Dharmendra was reported to be unwell. He had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital earlier in November, before being discharged to continue recovery at home. Sadly, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away at his residence.
His funeral was held in Mumbai, drawing a powerful gathering of friends, family, and fellow actors. Among those paying their respects were industry heavyweights like Amitabh Bachchan, as well as political leaders and fans from across the country. Tributes poured in on social media and from public figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described Dharmendra as “an iconic film personality … a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role.”
As Bollywood grieves, his legacy lives on, in the unforgettable characters he breathed life into, the films that continue to resonate with audiences, and the generations of actors he inspired. Dharmendra’s impact was not just his on-screen heroism, but also his humility, warmth, and the genuine love he carried for his craft.
Rest in peace, Dharam ji. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your legend will endure.
