November 24, 2025, Mumbai One of the biggest idols in Indian cinema, Dharmendra Deol, passed away today at the age of 89, leaving the industry in a state of sadness.Affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, Dharmendra was an iconic screen sensation, timelessly charming, and had an acting career spanning over six decades. If various confirmed news reports are to be believed, the veteran actor breathed his last at his Mumbai residence due to a short illness.
A Sudden Goodbye
Family sources and close aides confirmed the news of Dharmendra’s demise.He passed away early on November 24, 2025, according to media reports cited by NDTV and The Times of India. His condition reportedly had deteriorated over the past few weeks and he was taken to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital with complaints of breathlessness on October 31. Sources close to him said that by November 10, he had been put on ventilator support, but was discharged on November 12, continuing treatment at home. No official medical report has been issued so far, and the cause of death is not known.
Reports indicate that Dharmendra’s condition had turned very frail and his family was already preparing for the worst. He was one of Bollywood’s most lucrative stars from the 1960s to the 1980s. He collaborated with male peers like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and Jeetendra and had great on-screen chemistry with actresses like Hema Malini, Meena Kumari, and Rekha.
False Death Rumors Just Weeks Ago
Ironically, the actor had been at the center of a viral death hoax early this month, with rumors of his passing going viral on social media around November 11. Trending briefly on Twitter and WhatsApp, it was debunked by family members and official channels. His wife, actress-turned-politician Hema Malini, took to X to call rumors “utterly false” and “irresponsible,” calling him “alive and recovering.” Their daughter, actress Esha Deol, also addressed the false news on Instagram: “Papa is stable and under medical supervision. We request everyone to refrain from spreading misinformation. Thank you for your prayers.” While the earlier reports were mendacious, today’s confirmation about Dharmendra’s demise hit the fans harder, with many expressing shock and grief across social media sites.
A Colossal Career Spanning Six Decades
Dharmendra, who was born in Sahnewal, Punjab, on December 8, 1935, rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most well-known figures in Indian cinema. After making his screen debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, he starred in over 300 movies and established himself as a versatile actor with a knack for drama, humor, action, and romance. Some of his most memorable performances include:
- Sholay, 1975 – as lovable and daring Veeru
- Chupke Chupke 1975) has displayed his comic brilliance.
- Phool Aur Patthar (1966) – his breakthrough as a romantic-action hero
- Satyakam (1969)- critically acclaimed performance in a socially relevant role
- Rakhwala, The Burning Train, Dream Girl, Dharam-Veer and many more
He was one of Bollywood’s most lucrative stars from the 1960s to the 1980s. He collaborated with male peers like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and Jeetendra and had great on-screen chemistry with actresses like Hema Malini, Meena Kumari, and Rekha. During his career, Shah won the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contributions to Indian cinema, apart from being a recipient of the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Man Behind the Star
Off-screen, Dharmendra was much revered for his simplicity, warmth, and respect for family values. He married Hema Malini in 1980, following an earlier marriage to Prakash Kaur. He was the patriarch of the Deol film family, which consists of his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both well-known actors in their own right. His daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, from his marriage with Hema Malini, have also been active in the world of entertainment. Despite being a superstar, Dharmendra never showed arrogance.
In interviews, he would frequently refer to his farming background and kept in close contact with his home village in Punjab. On social media in the last few years, he seemed philosophical and reflective, frequently disseminating poetry, clips of nature scenes, and motivational quotes to his following.
Reactions From the Film Industry
Reactions From the Film Industry Tributes started pouring in within minutes of the news going public. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra’s Sholay co-star, tweeted: “An elder, a brother, a friend, a pillar of strength — Dharam ji, you go, but leave behind a legacy like no other.” Filmmaker Karan Johar termed his demise as “an emotional heartbreak” while saying, “He was Bollywood’s original action hero, but he also had the gentlest heart I’ve known. Actress Hema Malini, who is yet to release an official statement, was present at the cremation site with daughters Esha and Ahana.
Sunny and Bobby Deol were clearly distraught and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. Other actors, including Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone, also sent their condolences on social media in honor of Dharmendra’s generosity and outstanding performances.
The End of an Era
With Dharmendra’s demise, Bollywood has lost one of its most enduring and beloved stars. Onscreen, he represented strength, romance, and integrity; he showed sincerity and simplicity in his life off-screen. While the industry and his fans mourn this colossal loss, his legacy lives on through his films, family, and the millions of hearts he touched. Dharmendra Deol (1935–2025) — may his soul rest in peace.
