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Legendary actor Dharmendra breath his last on Monday at the age of 89 at his home in Mumbai. Earlier, the actor was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital with respiratory issues. Celebrated as the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra leaves behind a remarkable cinematic legacy spanning over six decades. His final on-screen appearance will be in Ikkis, set to release on December 25, 2025.
Born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, in a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at the age of 19, before entering the film industry. Later, he married actor Hema Malini. He is survived by his wives, and six children – actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol, along with Ajeeta and Vijeta.
A legend in himself, Dharmendra began his career with the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third-highest civilian honour, in 2012. In a career spanning six decades and more than 300 films, he went on to work in numerous hits including Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baarat, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Pratiggya, Chupke Chupke, Naukar Biwi Ka, Phool Aur Patthar, Satyakam, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Ankhen, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan-Mrityu, Jugnu, Charas, DharamVeer, Azaad, Ghazab, Loha, Hukumat and Apne. His production, Ghayal, starring son Sunny Deol, won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Dharmendra also won Best Actor trophies at the Filmfare Awards, for his roles in Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Resham Ki Dori.
In his lifetime, the actor gave many fine performances, but if there’s one role that he’ll always be remembered for, it’ll be that of Veeru in Sholay – the 1975 blockbuster that has become a cultural phenomenon.
The multi-starrer that also had Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan in the lead roles saw Dharmendra and Bachchan play loveable rogues-turned-saviours who are recruited to fight a dreaded bandit.
The film became a cult classic and many fans credited Dharmendra for its success, describing him as the “soul of Sholay”. The actor also described it as his finest role. “I don’t think I have ever done a better role than Veeru’s,” he said. A versatile actor, he befitted every role, be it comedy, romance or the serious ones. He always did justice to his role.
Dharmendra remained active on social media, often sharing videos that promoted healthy living. His Instagram posts featured him driving a tractor, tending to his farm, and offering simple life lessons and farming tips to his fans. He last appeared on-screen in the 2024 rom-com, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.
Mourning his death, President Droupadi Murmu said, “The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire young generations of artists. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”
The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 24, 2025
PM Modi, too, mourned the death of veteran actor. His post on X said, “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans.”
The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025
As soon as the news of his passing away spread, the entire Bollywood descended at the crematorium to pay their last respect to one of the most humble and most admired actor. Certainly, an era has come to end with his passing away, and a void which may never get filled!
