Veteran actor Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, affectionately known as Dharmendra, passed away in Mumbai on Monday (November 24, 2025). The 89-year-old actor had been in and out of Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital several days earlier this month. He was later discharged and continued his recovery at home.
On Monday, a police statement said that the actor passed away in the morning, and funeral arrangements were being made at the Shree Vile Parle Seva Samaj crematorium. An ambulance and several cars left the actor’s Juhu residence. Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were seen at the crematorium.
In Pictures: Iconic moments from Dharmendra’s life
Dharmendra ruled Hindi cinema in the 1960s-1980s period. In this picture, the actor is seen with Saira Banu in ‘Pocket Maar’. The story goes that the 1974 movie was in the making for 4 years. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A young Dharmendra in the early 1960s. Considered an up and coming star, the actor’s first few prominent releases were ‘Anpadh’ and ‘Bandini’. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra and Hema Malini were a hit pair in their prime. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
The stylish actor in the spy thriller ‘Kheemat’ (1973). The film’s success reinstated Dharmendra’s reputation as a bankable star. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A still from ‘Chupke Chupke’. The 1975 romantic comedy had an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Om Prakash and Jaya Bachchan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A still from ‘Aas Paas’ (1981). Legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi’s recorded song came in this movie. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
With Shatrughan Sinha in Vijay Anand’s underrated ‘Blackmail’ (1973).
In ‘Jeevan Mrityu’ which marked the debut of Rakhee. Produced by Tarachand Barjatya, the movie was a runaway hit. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Two powerhouse talents in one frame. With Sanjeev Kumar in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s in ‘Satyakam’ (1969). THE HINDU ARCHIVES
In the 1962 hit ‘Anpad’, which boasts of the evergreen song ‘Aapki Nazon Ne Samjha’. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
With Amitabh Bachchan in the cult-classic ‘Sholay’. The song, ‘Yeh Dosti’, is an evergreen number to celebrate friendship. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Guddi’, which marked the Hindi debut of Jaya Bachchan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A poster of Dharmendra’s ‘Haqeeqat’. The 1964 war drama from Chetan Anand received praise for its action sequences. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with sons Bobby and Sunny Deol (left). THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with Javed Akhtar, who has penned many of the hit stories for the superstar, including ‘Sholay’ (1975). THE ARCHIVES
One with the family. Dharmendra with wife Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
When legends meet. Dharmendra, Yash Chopra, Shatrughan Sinha, and Saira Banu celebrate the birthday of Dileep Kumar. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
When the veteran shook a leg with the young stars of Bollywood. A light moment with Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Receives the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Pratibha Patil in 2012. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with Evergreen Star Dev Anand. The two featured in ‘Return of the Jewel Thief’ (1997), a sequel to Anand’s cult-classic ‘Jewel Thief’ (1967). THE HINDU ARCHIVES.
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Fans thronged the crematorium area from noon till evening causing traffic snarls in the locality.
Celebrities, including Salman Khan, his father and scriptwriter Salim Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, Shatrughan Sinha, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, Shabana Azmi, Akshay Kumar, Boman Irani, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, Chiranjeevi, Saira Banu and others, were seen at the crematorium.
The actor is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha and Ahana.
Ashok Saini (60), a person claiming to be the actor’s cook for five years from 1987, came to the crematorium to pay last respects but was not allowed inside. He was holding a framed photo of himself with the actor which he said was taken 12 years ago and said he had known the family for 40 years. “Dharmendra ji was a very kind-hearted man. He always looked after us and because of his generosity I could provide good education for my children.”
Dharmendra passes away: Read updates here as tributes pour in for the veteran actor
He recalled that the actor was fond of home-cooked Punjabi cuisine. “He loved raajma-chawal, sarso-ka-saag, Punjabi kadhi, lassi and so on. After working for five years at his home, his sisters asked me to cook for them, and from there, I have worked at almost every relative’s house.”
Tributes pour in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that Dharmendra’s demise “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema”, calling him an iconic actor admired for his versatility, simplicity, and warmth. He offered condolences to the actor’s family, friends, and fans, concluding with ‘Om Shanti.’
In her condolence message, President Droupadi Murmu said Dharmendra’s demise is “a great loss to Indian cinema”, remembering him as one of the most popular actors whose legacy will inspire generations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Dharmendra’s passing “an irreparable loss to Indian cinema”, praising his six-decade-long career and the ability to bring every character to life. He remembered Dharmendra’s humble beginnings and said his art will keep him alive in the hearts of millions.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was “shocked” by Dharmendra’s passing, calling him the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’ who ruled hearts with hits such as Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, and more. He noted Dharmendra’s record of nine hits in a single year and said his dialogues remain unforgettable. Mr. Fadnavis termed the loss “irreparable” and prayed for strength for the actor’s family and fans.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Indian cinema has “lost an immortal icon” in Dharmendra’s passing, praising his ability to portray the emotions and struggles of society on screen. Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena called his death “the end of a golden era”.
Hindi cinema’s golden era
Dharmendra’s cinematic journey spanned more than six decades, with over 300 films to his credit. From the black-and-white romances of the 1960s to the technicolor blockbusters of the 1970s and 1980s, he defined the quintessential leading man of the era. His performances in classics such as Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer, and Anupama remain etched in the collective memory of Indian cinema.
Known to fans as Bollywood’s “He-Man”, “Garam Dharam”, and the “Action King,” Dharmendra combined mass appeal with versatility, effortlessly moving between action dramas, comedies, and socially relevant films. Few actors matched his longevity or the breadth of his stardom.
Beyond acting, he produced films under his banner and served a term as a Member of Parliament. In 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. His enduring charm was evident even in recent years—he appeared in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, reminding audiences why he remains a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
The state-run Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) cancelled all on-stage programmes at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on Monday as a mark of respect for Dharmendra. Film screenings continued as scheduled, but cultural events were called off for the day, ESG said in a statement.
Film industry mourns demise
Music composer A.R. Rahman paid tribute on X, calling Dharmendra “a timeless icon whose grace, humility and strength of spirit lit the screen and touched generations.”
Actor Rajinikanth wrote: “Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji.”
Actor Mohanlal called his passing “the end of a cinematic era,” while actor Saira Banu recalled Dharmendra as family, saying Dilip Kumar considered him a younger brother. “It’s the saddest day because he is family. I thought we would celebrate his birthday,” she said.
Celebrities across generations hailed him as a “bonafide legend” and the “original He-Man”.
Actor Akshay Kumar wrote: “Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be… You’ll live through your movies and the love you spread.”
Actor Ajay Devgn remembered his “warmth and generosity”, while Karan Johar, who directed Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), said: “It is the end of an era… a massive megastar, the embodiment of a hero, and the best human being. He was loved by everyone in our industry.”
