The heart of Indian cinema has suffered an irreplaceable loss. Veteran actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” passed away this morning, November 24, 2025, at his residence in Mumbai after a brief illness. He was 89.
The news was confirmed by industry sources, and his funeral rites are being held today at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, with family and major film personalities gathering to pay their final respects.
A Brief Final Illness
The passing of the iconic star comes just two weeks after he was discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted for age-related concerns and respiratory issues. Though doctors had confirmed he was stable and recovering at home, his health took a final turn this morning.
Dharmendra would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8.
Unmatched Legacy Spanning Six Decades
Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades and included roles in more than 300 films, where he successfully transitioned between action, romance, and comedy.
- Iconic Stardom: He achieved enduring fame for his role as Veeru in the all-time classic Sholay (1975). He was also celebrated for his versatile performances in films like Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, and Phool Aur Patthar.
- Final Appearances: The actor enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with a charming and acclaimed performance in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023. His final scheduled screen appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan’s much-anticipated war drama, Ikkis, set for release on Christmas this year.
Industry Mourns the Loss
Tributes have poured in from all sectors of the industry and political leaders, with many arriving at the crematorium to pay homage.
- Karan Johar posted an emotional note calling it “an end of an ERA,” describing Dharmendra as “the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema.”
- Close family, including his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and his wife, Hema Malini, along with industry veterans like Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, were among those who arrived at the final rites.
Dharmendra leaves behind an unmatched legacy of charm, charisma, and a rare humility that defined an entire generation of Indian cinema.
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