Dharmendra Passes Away at 89; Film Industry Mourns the Legendary Actor Loss of Hindi Cinema's 'He-Man'

Mumbai, November 24, 2025 — Dharmendra Passes Away at 89 ,The Indian film industry is in mourning today following the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89. The news of his demise has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, with fans and colleagues expressing their grief over the loss of one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved icons.

Filmmaker Karan Johar was among the first to pay tribute to the legendary star, posting an emotional message on social media with the poignant line “Abhi Na Jao Chhod Ke” — a reference to the iconic song from the 1967 film Hum Dono, perfectly capturing the sentiment of a nation that feels the actor left too soon.

Dharmendra Passes Away at 89 , a Career Spanning Seven Decades

Dharmendra’s journey in Indian cinema began in the late 1950s and spanned an extraordinary seven decades. Born as Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village of Punjab, the actor rose from humble beginnings to become one of Bollywood’s most recognizable faces and a true superstar of his generation.

His breakthrough came after winning the Filmfare magazine’s new talent award, which paved his way into the film industry. The actor made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, but it was his performances in films during the 1960s and 1970s that cemented his position as a leading man in Hindi cinema.

Dharmendra Passes Away ,The Action Hero Who Could Do It All

While Dharmendra earned the moniker “He-Man” of Bollywood for his action-packed roles and masculine screen presence, his versatility as an actor often went beyond just the tough-guy image. He demonstrated remarkable range, excelling in romantic dramas, comedies, and intense dramatic roles with equal finesse.

Some of his most memorable performances include his role in Sholay (1975), arguably one of the greatest films in Indian cinema history, where he played Veeru alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai. The film’s success transcended generations and remains a cultural touchstone even today. His chemistry with co-star Hema Malini both on and off screen became the stuff of legend, and the couple later married in 1980.

Other notable films in his illustrious career include Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Bandini (1963), Anupama (1966), Satyakam (1969), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Chupke Chupke (1975), and Burning Train (1980). His performances earned him numerous awards and recognition, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2012, India’s third-highest civilian honor.

A Family Legacy in Cinema

Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema extends beyond his own performances. He established a dynasty that continues to thrive in Bollywood. His sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, followed in their father’s footsteps and became successful actors in their own right. His grandsons Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol represent the third generation of the family in films. Its a biggest loss to the film industry as Dharmendra passes away,” said SRK

His relationship with actress Hema Malini produced two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, both of whom have also been part of the entertainment industry. The family has remained one of Bollywood’s most prominent film families, with Dharmendra serving as the patriarch who commanded respect across the industry.

Tributes Pour In

Following the news of Dharmendra’s passing away, social media platforms were flooded with tributes from actors, directors, politicians, and fans. Film personalities shared their memories of working with the actor, praising not just his talent but also his humility and warmth.

Industry veterans recalled his professionalism on set, while younger actors spoke about how his films inspired them to pursue careers in cinema. Many highlighted his ability to remain relevant across changing times, noting how he adapted to evolving audience tastes while maintaining his unique screen presence.

Political leaders also expressed their condolences, acknowledging his contribution to Indian culture and his role in shaping the country’s soft power through cinema. The Maharashtra government announced that his last rites would be conducted with full state honors.

An Era Comes to an End

Dharmendra’s death marks the end of an era in Hindi cinema. He belonged to a generation of actors who defined Bollywood’s golden age, a time when films were characterized by strong storytelling, memorable music, and larger-than-life performances. His contemporaries included stalwarts like Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar, and Dev Anand, most of whom have already passed on.

For millions of fans across India and the diaspora worldwide, Dharmendra represented more than just entertainment. He embodied a certain spirit of Hindi cinema—rugged yet romantic, strong yet sensitive. His films provided escape and joy to countless viewers over the decades.

As the nation comes to terms with this loss, one thing remains certain: Dharmendra’s legacy will continue to live on through his films, his family, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey. The curtain may have fallen on his life, but his performances will continue to entertain and inspire generations to come. all reminded Dharmendra’s contribution at once as Dharmendra passes away.

The actor is survived by his wife Hema Malini, his first wife Prakash Kaur, his four children, and his grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly.