At 89, legendary Bollywood icon Dharmendra breathed his last on Monday morning, November 24, plunging the nation into mourning for the loss of its favorite star. Preliminary reports have suggested that the thespian actor was suffering from ill health for a long time and there was a serious deterioration in his condition sometime earlier this month. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on November 10, 2025, following a sharp drop in oxygen levels. As his condition became highly fragile, doctors soon shifted him to a ventilator.
The Deol family had been posting updates about Dharmendra’s condition, saying that he was responding well to treatment. His attending physician also said that he had already been discharged to continue recovery at home under the close monitoring of the family. However, concerns escalated early this morning when an ambulance was seen arriving at his residence under tight security, signaling a sudden turn in his condition.
Soon after the tragic news of his death started spreading, his wife—veteran actress and political leader Hema Malini—was seen arriving at the residence to pay her last respects. Even his daughter, actress Esha Deol, reached home to bid a teary adieu. Throughout the day, close relatives, colleagues, and long-standing friends from the film fraternity are expected to gather to offer condolences.
The security arrangement has been tightened at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium, where the preparation for the final rites of Dharmendra is said to be underway. The steps are reportedly taken in anticipation of a massive turnout of his fans and public figures who want to see the last glimpse of the legendary actor.
Indeed, the demise of Dharmendra marks the end of an era. From a small village in Punjab, this man rose to become one of the most celebrated stars the Indian screen has ever seen, with a career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films. His performances, especially in all-time classics like Sholay, earned him the title of “He-Man” of Bollywood, which will stay in the memory of film lovers forever.
