Dharmendra Passes Away at 89: Bollywood Mourns the Death of Indian Cinema’s He-Man

Loved and called the "He-Man" of Indian cinema, Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025. He died peacefully at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89, and the death shocked not only the entire Deol family but the entire Bollywood community. Rumors of his sickness had been circulating for weeks prior, which progressed to hospitalization, returned home for treatment, and finally to death.

From hospital to home, to a peaceful goodbye

Recently, Dharmendra was unwell due to breathing complications and had to be admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. After experiencing significant symptoms, he was placed on ventilator support on November 10th, according to accounts. He did, however, demonstrate some improvement and was discharged on November 12th to continue treatment at home. 

Since Dharmendra's health had been weak for some time, the family was very calm, but the pain of losing him was still unexpected. He would eventually be cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, with every single member of the Deol family there: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol, along with Bollywood heavyweights like Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. 

More poignantly, Dharmendra's eldest son Sunny, participated in lighting the funeral pyre in a moment that ended up being more than just a son showing respect for his father, but also being a more heartfelt human moment to say goodbye to his father.

The industry mourns 

When the announcement of his passing was made, a wave of grief swept through Bollywood, as everyone showed their respect on social media. Thinkers like Kajol and Kareena Kapoor posted thoughtful and heartwarming remembrances of Dharmendra and what he meant to them as artists. 

Karan Johar, in an Instagram post, wrote “An era has come to an end” - confirming that Dharmendra was more than just an actor, and that the persona/image he conjured was and forever will be, a rich historical legacy.

His spouse Hema Malini, children, and family, mourned as he laid to rest. Tears in their eyes, they lovingly said goodbye - full of devotion and dignity. 

A long Journey from life’s struggle to Stardom

On December 8, 1935, Dharmendra was born in a village in Punjab. His real name was Kewal Krishan Deol, and he grew up in a very modest setting, before becoming a film hero. He made his film debut in 1960 with "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" and soon established his stardom with a series of blockbusters.

Dharmendra worked in over 300 films in his career, with some of the all-time classics including Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Sita Aur Geeta, and Dharamveer. His career lasted almost 65 years.

He was married twice, to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Virjeta, and Ajita. His second wife was his co-star Hema Malini, and together, they had two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

His life was also more than films because of his struggle, simplicity, and natural confidence he possessed made him very special.

His last movie - and a farewell message

Dharmendra's final film is "21," scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.It is hoped that this film will serve as a lovely send-off for him, as viewers will see him again on the big screen, where his voice, his presence, and his memory will live forever. 

He is the father of an army officer in "21." It is a part befitting his age and experience and it is a fitting tribute to his honor and talent, legendary in the truest sense. 

An End of an Era - But an Unforgettable part of Memories

With the passing of Dharmendra, the "He-Man" of Hindi cinema has passed, and with it, the era of rolled-up sleeves, the consideration of a boyish figure into a man for the ages, and the cinema of the people. Dharmendra created a manner of being that became not only an actor, but an icon. He portrayed fear in a process, romance, and timeless truthfulness all, ultimately throughout his films. 

But most importantly, his voice, his style, and his affection will live forever in the hearts of a loving audience. He did not just live in films. His life on screen was a reflection of performance and a real one. 

As we send him off today for the last time, let us remember that we are not lost in films, but indeed contemplating and negotiating legacies in the style, the work and the humanity that tell us there is a life, respect, and the connection that goes beyond glamour to achieve stardom. 

Dharmendra, your death is lamentable news, but your memories and your films will consistently remind us to smile. Salute.

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