Dharmendra, the iconic Bollywood actor lovingly known as "He-Man," has passed away at the age of 89. The veteran actor died in Mumbai on Monday, November 24, 2025, after having been in and out of Breach Candy Hospital for breathlessness earlier in the month. News of his death comes just weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8.
Dharmendra was cremated at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. His son, Sunny Deol, reportedly performed the final rites. The cremation was attended by his wife, Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol. Many members of the film fraternity, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor and Akshay Kumar, arrived to pay their last respects to the legendary actor. Security was heightened at the crematorium.
Dharmendra, born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, was not only an actor and producer but also a politician. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest, most handsome, and commercially successful film stars in Indian cinema history. Spanning a career of 65 years, he acted in over 300 films. Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He gained popularity in the mid-1960s with films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke, achieving greater stardom in later years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death of the veteran actor. Modi said that the passing of Dharmendra marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He described him as an iconic film personality and a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role. PM Modi also acknowledged Dharmendra's simplicity, humility, and warmth. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences, recognizing Dharmendra's immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Numerous other Bollywood personalities shared their tributes. Farhan Akhtar expressed his gratitude for Dharmendra's six decades of entertainment. Akshay Kumar acknowledged Dharmendra as the hero every boy wanted to be and the industry's original "He-Man". Karan Johar called it the end of an era and hailed Dharmendra as a massive mega-star and a bonafide legend of Indian Cinema. Manoj Bajpayee recalled Dharmendra as one of his childhood heroes, admired by his parents, noting his warmth, dignity, and humor.
Dharmendra also had a stint in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the Bharatiya Janata Party, representing Bikaner in Rajasthan from 2004 to 2009.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.
