Dharmendra, the legendary Bollywood actor, producer, and politician, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Fondly known as the "He-Man" of Indian cinema, his death marks the end of an era for the Indian film industry.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, a village in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, he was the son of Kewal Krishan, a school headmaster, and Satwant Kaur. Dharmendra's journey to stardom began with a Filmfare talent contest, which led him to Mumbai. He made his acting debut in 1960 with "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere".
Dharmendra's career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in over 300 films. He was widely regarded as one of the most handsome and commercially successful stars in the history of Indian cinema. Some of his most notable and successful films include "Phool Aur Patthar" (1966), "Ankhen" (1968), "Sholay" (1975), "Dharam Veer" (1977), and "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" (2023). His performances in films like "Satyakam" and "Sholay" are considered his most remarkable.
Dharmendra's versatility allowed him to transition between action, drama, and comedy roles. His "macho" image, established after the success of "Phool Aur Patthar", resonated with audiences. He was known for his powerful dialogue delivery and ability to portray a wide range of characters.
Beyond acting, Dharmendra also had a political career, serving as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the Bharatiya Janata Party, representing Bikaner in Rajasthan from 2004 to 2009.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, and they had four children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. In 1980, he married Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
Tributes have poured in from across the film industry and political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Dharmendra's death "the end of an era". West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that his contribution to Indian cinema would inspire future generations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said his passing was an "irreplaceable loss" to Indian cinema.
Many Bollywood celebrities, including Karan Johar, Kajol, and Sanjay Dutt, mourned his death on social media. Sunny Deol performed the last rites. Amitabh Bachchan, along with other prominent figures such as Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, attended the cremation to pay their respects.
Dharmendra's last on-screen appearance was in the 2024 film "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya". He was also slated to appear in Sriram Raghavan's war drama "Ikkis".
Dharmendra leaves behind a legacy as one of the most influential personalities in Indian cinema. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, one of India's highest civilian awards. His contribution to Indian cinema and his impact on generations of actors and moviegoers will be remembered for years to come.
