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Published : 24 Nov 2025, 03:08 PM
Dharmendra, one of the most enduring stars of Hindi cinema whose career spanned more than six decades and over 300 films, has died at the age of 89, according to Indian news agency IANS.
He passed away at his Mumbai home on Monday, just weeks before his 90th birthday on Dec 8.
According to Indian broadcaster NDTV, the actor died 12 days after being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted in late October with breathing difficulties.
No official cause of death has been disclosed.
BOLLYWOOD GATHERS FOR LAST RITES
A stream of film industry figures gathered at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai for Dharmendra’s funeral rites, NDTV reports.
Among those in attendance were Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who had visited the actor during his recent hospital stay. His wife and fellow actor Hema Malini also arrived, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Agastya Nanda, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt and filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi.
'HE-MAN OF BOLLYWOOD'
Fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, Dharmendra debuted in 1960 with "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" and rose to prominence through romantic and dramatic roles in the 1960s, including "Phool Aur Patthar" and "Anupama".
He became one of India’s most bankable leading men in the 1970s with hits such as "Sholay", "Yaadon Ki Baaraat", "Dharam Veer", "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Chupke Chupke" and "The Burning Train".
His versatility was central to his appeal, shifting from romantic leads to rugged action roles with ease. But his portrayal of Veeru in "Sholay" remains the defining role of his career.
Dharmendra was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012.
STILL ON SCREEN AT 89
Despite his age, Dharmendra continued to act in recent years, appearing in "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" (2023) and "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya" (2024).
He will appear posthumously in Sriram Raghavan’s "Ikkis", starring his "Sholay" co-star Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat, scheduled for release on Dec 25, 2025, according to the Times of India.
PERSONAL LIFE
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on Dec 8, 1935, in Punjab, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at the age of 19. They had four children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol.
In 1980, he married his co-star Hema Malini. The couple has two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
