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.”

Also Read: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Mourn the Loss of Dharmendra, a True Icon

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.

Bollywood is in deep mourning following the death of veteran actor Dharmendra Deol, who passed away at the age of 89. The news has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and public figures across the nation.

One of the most heartfelt tributes came from Anushka Sharma, who took to her Instagram Story to express her sorrow. She wrote, “Deeply saddened by Dharam ji’s passing. A legendary icon whose warmth, talent, and grace shaped Indian cinema. His legacy will live on in our hearts. Om Shanti.”

Her husband, cricketing great Virat Kohli, also paid his respects on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, he said, “Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him. May the family find strength in this tough time. My sincere condolences to the whole family. ”

Dharmendra had been under medical care in Mumbai for some time. He was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital after showing signs of recovery, but unfortunately, his health deteriorated at home and he eventually passed away. News reports say his last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium, with his family in attendance.

The impact of his death was felt far and wide. Bollywood events were canceled out of respect for the late actor for example, the organizers of the International Film Festival of India postponed key entertainment programs. His funeral drew many top names: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and others paid their last respects.

Prominent film personalities also shared tributes. Karan Johar, who had recently worked with Dharmendra, described his passing as “an end of an ERA,” calling him “a massive mega star … the embodiment of a HERO … a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema.” Rajinikanth remembered him as a friend with a “golden heart.” Meanwhile, Suniel Shetty said Dharmendra’s legacy was “strength wrapped in grace … stardom wrapped in warmth … heroism wrapped in a pure heart.”

From the cricketing world too, several stars chimed in. Yuvraj Singh reflected on how “every home had a favourite Dharmendra film,” while Shikhar Dhawan noted that Dharmendra “showed us strength can be kind.”

His death is widely being called the end of an era a sentiment echoed by many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Dharmendra as “an iconic film personality” whose charm and humility made a lasting impact.

Also read: Heartbreaking Scenes at Dharmendra’s Funeral — Sunny Deol Completely Devastated

Dharmendra’s career spanned more than six decades and over 300 films, and his legacy both on and off screen continues to resonate deeply across the industry and the country. His warmth, humanity, and quintessential screen presence made him a beloved figure, and his memory will live on in the hearts of millions. Om Shanti.

Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him. May the family find strength in this tough time. My sincere condolences to the whole family.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 24, 2025

The news of the death, at age 89, of veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra sent the film industry and millions of fans into mourning. The last rites were performed by the family at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, which his eldest son, Sunny Deol, carried out. Following the teary goodbye, a saddened Sunny was spotted leaving the crematorium in his black Defender, choosing to avoid the media that waited outdoors.

Dharmendra’s body was taken out from his Juhu residence in an ambulance earlier in the day, accompanied by family members. His wife Hema Malini, daughter Esha Deol and son Sunny Deol, were among those who reached the place of final rites, visibly shocked by the loss.

Several stalwarts of the film industry attended the crematorium to pay obeisance. Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Saira Banu, Shabana Azmi, among others, reached Pawan Hans to bid adieu to the legendary actor. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh among other personalities were also spotted arriving much later.

Dharmendra, popularly called the “He-Man of Bollywood,” died on November 24, 2025. He had been discharged a few days previously from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, after a routine checkup. He had complained of breathlessness, but doctors declared him stable enough to be taken back home. Unfortunately, his condition turned suddenly worse this Monday morning, which resulted in his death.

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The actor had been suffering from age-related health complications for quite some time, was in and out of hospitals over the past few months. He was discharged last on November 12 and was recuperating at home.

Also Read: Dharmendra’s Final Farewell: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aamir Khan Bid an Emotional Goodbye

Dharmendra’s demise marks the end of an era. With unforgettable performances in classics such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dream Girl, Dharam Veer, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh, the iconic film star left behind a legacy that continued to inspire generations.

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