Haridwar – In a departure from initial reports, it has been revealed that Dharmendra's ashes were not immersed in the Ganges River by his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, but by his grandson, Karan Deol. The legendary actor passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and the film fraternity.
The immersion ceremony took place at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar on Wednesday, with priest Rohit Shrotriya officiating the rituals. Shrotriya told ANI that while Sunny and Bobby Deol were present with the family, they were unable to perform the immersion themselves due to unforeseen circumstances. Consequently, the responsibility fell to Karan Deol, Sunny's son and Dharmendra's grandson.
"The family members came here. They wanted to immerse the ashes at Har Ki Pauri, but for some reason, Sunny and Bobby Deol could not go. Dharmendraji's grandson Karan performed the immersion of the ashes," Shrotriya stated. He further added that the 'pind daan' ritual was also performed, with the entire Deol family participating. The pre-immersion rituals were completed at a hotel.
Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, was the son of Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, a school headmaster, and Satwant Kaur. He is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children: Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, and Ajeeta. He also leaves behind his second wife, Hema Malini, and their two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. Dharmendra has thirteen grandchildren.
Dharmendra's career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 300 films. His notable works include classics such as "Sholay," "Chupke Chupke," and "Dharam Veer". His contribution to Indian cinema earned him the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
The Deol family has maintained a low profile since Dharmendra's passing. The cremation was a private affair held at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. While there was no official statement from the family, sources suggest that Dharmendra wished for a simple and private farewell.
While his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, are well-known figures in Bollywood, Dharmendra also has four daughters. Vijeta Deol Gill and Ajeeta Deol Chaudhri, from his first marriage, live relatively private lives. Esha and Ahana Deol, his daughters with Hema Malini, have also been involved in the film industry.
In 2015, Dharmendra gifted his ancestral land in Punjab to his cousins and their sons, who had been taking care of it for decades after he moved to Mumbai.
The immersion of Dharmendra's ashes marks the final chapter in the legendary actor's life. His legacy continues through his family and his vast body of work in Indian cinema.
