Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” passed away on 24 November 2025, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations. His sudden demise has created a profound void in the Indian film industry and among his fans, who revered him not just as a star but as a symbol of charm, strength, and humility.
Dharmendra had been discharged just days before his death, following a routine checkup at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted for breathlessness. Though he was deemed stable and sent home, his condition unexpectedly deteriorated on Monday morning, leading to his tragic passing.
That very afternoon, his mortal remains were transported from his Juhu residence to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. Family and friends including his wife Hema Malini, daughter Esha Deol, and son Sunny Deol followed the cortege in visibly emotional silence. Bollywood heavyweights, such as Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Saira Banu, Shabana Azmi, and many others, gathered to pay their respects, underlining the profound impact Dharmendra had on his peers and the industry.
Line-producer Aroon Singh Dicky, who worked with Dharmendra on his final film Ikkis, shared deeply personal memories that reflect the star’s larger-than-life, yet grounded persona. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Aroon recalled the overwhelming fan devotion shown during the Lucknow schedule. He said he had “never in my life seen such a fan following.”
He described how fans including elderly women would kiss Dharmendra’s chair and gather the dust from his footprints to apply on their foreheads, as though it were sacred. “From my work experience, Sanjay Dutt has been the biggest crowd-puller so far,” he said, “but Dharamji… ek jhalak dekhne ko log dewaane the!”
Aroon also fondly spoke about Dharmendra’s humility. Despite his superstar status, the actor greeted everyone with warmth and openness, always ready to talk to fans or crew alike. “He gives you so many blessings that you feel overwhelmed,” Aroon reflected, adding, “There won’t be a loving superstar like him again.”
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Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, is yet to be released a posthumous reminder of his enduring dedication to his craft. As the industry and fans mourn, his life story stands as a testament to his unwavering passion, humility, and magnetism that transcended decades.
In a world where celebrity often distances itself from the public, Dharmendra remained deeply connected loving, generous, and approachable. That rare combination made him not just a screen legend, but a beloved figure whose memory will forever inspire and unite generations.
