Bollywood Icon Dharmendra Dies at 89, Leaving Legacy of Action and Heart

Bollywood’s towering ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra passed away peacefully at his Mumbai home on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. The veteran actor, born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935, succumbed to age-related complications after a career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films. His death marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, where he embodied raw strength, rustic charm, and unyielding resilience.

News of his passing broke early Monday, sending shockwaves through the industry and fans worldwide. Family members confirmed the loss, noting he had been under medical care for some time. Tributes poured in immediately, with close friend Amitabh Bachchan sharing a poignant message on social media. “Another valiant giant has left us,” Bachchan wrote, recalling Dharmendra’s “earthiness of the village in Punjab” and his “largeness of heart.” The two shared an iconic bond, forged in hits like ‘Sholay’ and ‘Dharam Veer’, where their on-screen chemistry defined brotherly loyalty and heroic camaraderie.

Dharmendra’s journey from a small-town dreamer to silver-screen legend began humbly. Discovered in a modeling contest in 1950s Bombay, he debuted with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ in 1960. But it was the 1960s that catapulted him to stardom. Films like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ showcased his magnetic intensity, blending action with subtle emotion. He wasn’t just muscles; audiences adored his vulnerability, evident in romantic dramas such as ‘Bandini’ opposite Nutan.

The 1970s solidified his status as Bollywood’s action king. ‘Sholay’ (1975) remains his crowning glory. As Veeru, the wisecracking bandit, he rode into immortality alongside Bachchan’s Jai. The film’s dialogues—”Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge”—still echo in pop culture. Dharmendra’s stunt work, often performed without doubles, earned him the nickname ‘Garam Dharam’. He followed with blockbusters like ‘Dharam Veer’, ‘Karz’, and ‘Ghulami’, where his baritone and brawn dominated box offices.

Off-screen, Dharmendra’s life mirrored his roles—full of passion and complexity. Married twice, first to Prakash Kaur with sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, then to Hema Malini in 1980, he navigated personal storms with quiet dignity. His union with Hema, his ‘Dream Girl’ co-star, produced daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, blending families into a tight-knit unit. Despite controversies, he remained a family anchor, often sharing poetic musings on social media in his later years.

Awards eluded him early on, but recognition came later. The Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 honored his contributions, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Dharmendra transitioned to character roles gracefully, appearing in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’ as recently as 2023, proving his timeless appeal.

Fellow stars rallied in grief. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who collaborated with him on ‘Rocky Aur Rani’, visited the Deol residence Tuesday, offering condolences to Sunny, Bobby, and Hema Malini. Shatrughan Sinha, visibly emotional, called him “the original action hero who taught us masculinity with a soft heart.” Sunny Deol, fighting tears in a statement, said, “Papa lived for cinema and family; his stories will keep him alive.”

Fans flooded social media with memories. Clips from ‘Sholay’s’ train robbery scene trended, alongside tributes to his poetry recitals. One user wrote, “Dharmendra didn’t just act; he lived the heroism we all dreamed of.” Memorials are planned for later this week, with industry leaders expected to attend.

Dharmendra’s exit leaves a void, but his reel life endures. From Punjab’s fields to Mumbai’s sets, he carried the common man’s fire. In an industry of fleeting fame, he was eternal—strong, simple, and profoundly human. Rest in power, Garam Dharam. Bollywood bows to its unbreakable hero.