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Bollywood's 'He-Man,' Dharmendra, passes away at 89
Concluding a six-decade career defined by mass appeal, emotional range, and landmark performances that shaped mainstream Hindi cinema.
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Anushka Pathak - Mon, 24, Nov 2025
- 09:16 EST
- 24
Veteran actor Dharmendra / Courtesy: Wikipedia
Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most recognizable stars, passed away aged 89 in Mumbai on Nov. 24. The actor had been dealing with age-related ailments.
National leaders and the film industry paid tribute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema… My thoughts are with his family, friends, and innumerable fans.”
The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025
Also Read: Veteran Indian comedy icon Satish Shah passes away at 74
President Droupadi Murmu said his death was “a great loss to Indian cinema.”
The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 24, 2025
Dharma Productions, led by director Karan Johar, shared a collage of his iconic moments, thanking him for “the magic he brought to the big screens.”
Rest in peace and power, thank you for all the magic you brought to the big screens pic.twitter.com/ww6LlA4XOB
— Dharma Productions (@DharmaMovies) November 24, 2025
Born Dharam Singh Deol on Dec. 8, 1935, in the rural village of Nasrali in Punjab's Ludhiana district, Dharmendra grew up in a humble Jat Sikh family as the son of school headmaster Kewal Kishan Singh Deol and Satwant Kaur.
Discovered through a Filmfare talent contest, he left behind manual labor as a tubewell operator to debut in the 1960s release 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere' and gained early attention through 'Bandini' (1963).
His roles through the 1960s and 1970s—ranging from the idealist in 'Satyakam' to the action-driven leads of 'Pratiggya' and 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh'—cemented his reputation as a dependable mainstream performer.
Former President of India, Pratibha Patil presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to Dharmendra in 2012 / Courtesy: Rashtrapati BhavanHis image as Bollywood’s “He-Man” was solidified by 'Phool Aur Patthar' (1966), while his collaboration with Hrishikesh Mukherjee in 'Anupama' and 'Chupke Chupke' showcased a more understated comic and dramatic register.
'Sholay' (1975) marked the peak of his popularity, with Dharmendra frequently recalling, “I don't think I have ever done a better role than Veeru’s.”
Dharmendra being awarded the Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award in 2017 / Courtesy: WikipediaHe received a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012. His later career included family-led projects such as 'Apne' (2007) and a notable return in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani' (2023).
Dharmendra served as a BJP MP from Bikaner between 2004 and 2009, later admitting, “Politics is not for emotional people; it's for the thick-skinned.”
Dharmendra with his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol / Courtesy: WikipediaThe actor was laid to rest privately amid heavy security and in the presence of his close friends and family.
He is survived by his family, including children from his marriages to Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini. Known for humility, he often said, “All I ever wanted was people’s love.”
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