Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra Deol, widely adored as the “He‑Man” of Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 89. He died on November 24, 2025, at his home in Mumbai, following a brief illness, according to multiple media reports.
In his final months, Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, reportedly suffering from respiratory distress. He was discharged on November 12 and continued treatment at home. Doctors had placed him on ventilator support earlier in his hospital stay.
Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra made his acting debut in 1960 after winning a talent contest. Over more than six decades in Bollywood, he starred in more than 300 films, spanning genres from action to romance to comedy. Some of his most beloved roles include Veeru in Sholay (1975), and parts in Chupke Chupke and Mera Gaon Mera Desh.
Aside from his film career, Dharmendra also served in politics: he was a Member of Parliament from Bikaner from 2004 to 2009. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
On hearing the news, tributes poured in from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling Dharmendra’s death “the end of an era.” Filmmaker Karan Johar echoed this sentiment, calling him “a massive mega star … a bonafide legend of Indian cinema.”
The actor is survived by his two wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.
His remains were cremated at Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, with many film fraternity members in attendance, marking a solemn farewell to one of Bollywood’s most enduring legends.
