Highlights
- Dharmendra dies at his Mumbai residence at 89
- Stars including Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar attend the funeral
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls his passing “the end of an era”
- Tributes pour in from across the film industry
A farewell to Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’
Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, passed away in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. The veteran star, who was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, was believed to be recovering at home following treatment. He was just weeks away from his 90th birthday on December 8.
The funeral took place at the Vile Parle crematorium in Mumbai on Monday afternoon, where a large number of film personalities, family members and fans gathered to pay their final respects. His wife Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol were seen arriving for the rites. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Kareena Kapoor, Karan Johar, Ajay Devgn, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Gippy Grewal, Pulkit Samrat and Salim Khan were among the many prominent names present.
An ambulance was stationed outside Dharmendra’s Juhu residence earlier in the day, as news of his passing spread across the country, prompting an outpouring of tributes.
Nation pays tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a message shared online, calling Dharmendra’s death “the end of an era in Indian cinema”. He praised the actor for his humility, warmth, and the emotional range he brought to every performance.
Ajay Devgn said the industry had lost “a legend who shaped the soul of cinema”, while Pulkit Samrat referred to Dharmendra as a “father figure”. Gippy Grewal wrote that it was difficult to accept the sudden loss, and Kareena Kapoor shared a vintage photograph of Dharmendra with her grandfather Raj Kapoor, captioning it “Forever in power”.
Filmmaker Karan Johar described him as “the embodiment of a hero” and said there would never be another Dharmendra.
A towering career spanning six decades
Dharmendra appeared in more than 300 films, establishing himself as one of the most successful leading men in Hindi cinema. He debuted in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and became a superstar with hits through the 1960s and 1970s including Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Ankhen, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Chupke Chupke and the iconic Sholay.
Dharmendra with his wife Hema MaliniGetty Images
Admired for his versatility, he excelled equally in action, comedy and romance, earning the admiration of audiences across generations. He later starred in notable films such as Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and Life in a Metro. Metro, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
His final screen appearance
Dharmendra’s last on-screen role was in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. He was set to appear next in Ikkis, a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal. The film is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
A loss felt across generations
As tributes continue to pour in, Dharmendra’s passing marks a deeply emotional moment for the film industry and millions of admirers. Known for his humility both on and off screen, he leaves behind a cinematic legacy unmatched in impact and longevity.
The man who brought courage, romance and warmth to Indian cinema now leaves behind memories preserved forever on film, and a space that many say can never be filled.
