Legendary Bollywood Actor Dharmendra Dies at 89, Industry Mourns “He-Man”’s Farewell
Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra Deol, fondly remembered as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, passed away on November 24, 2025, at his residence in Mumbai. He was 89 years old.
Dharmendra had been battling health issues for some time. He was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on October 31 after experiencing serious breathing problems. He was discharged on November 12, but his condition reportedly worsened, leading to his untimely death.
His last rites were conducted at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai, where the film fraternity and close family members gathered to pay tribute.
A Legacy That Defined an Era
Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, and he acted in more than 300 films. He is best remembered for his iconic role in the cult classic Sholay (1975), where his on-screen camaraderie with Amitabh Bachchan became legendary.
Not just an action hero, Dharmendra displayed tremendous versatility — from romantic leads to comedies, dramas, and action films. His final film appearance will be in “Ikkis”, a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, scheduled to release on December 25, 2025.
Heartfelt Tributes
The news of Dharmendra’s passing has triggered a massive outpouring of grief across the country. Political leaders and fellow actors have expressed deep sadness at the loss of a legend.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his death “the end of an era in Indian cinema,” praising him as an “iconic film personality” with unmatched depth and charm in his performances.
President Draupadi Murmu referred to him as a “towering figure of Indian cinema,” whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Veteran filmmaker Karan Johar, who worked with Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), described him as “a bonafide legend” and mourned the massive void left by his departure.
Many fellow actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Aamir Khan, joined in paying their respects.
Saira Banu, one of Dharmendra’s close friends, emotionally told NDTV, “Dharmendra will live forever in our hearts.”
