Veteran actor Dharmendra, known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” passed away at his Mumbai residence on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. The actor had been experiencing age-related health issues and had reduced his public appearances in recent months.
Industry Pays Homage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Dharmendra’s death as marking “the end of an era in Indian cinema,” calling him “a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played”.
Actor Akshay Kumar remembered the late star, writing: “Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be—our industry’s original He-Man. Thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread. Om Shanti.”
Southern cinema star Jr NTR expressed his condolences: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dharmendra ji… An era he defined can never be replaced and the warmth he brought to Indian cinema will stay with us forever.”
Tributes from Co-Stars
Farhan Akhtar posted a heartfelt message acknowledging Dharmendra’s six-decade career spanning over 300 films: “Thank you for six decades of entertainment. We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen.”
Filmmaker Karan Johar shared an emotional tribute, calling Dharmendra “the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema” and noting his “enigmatic screen presence.” He added: “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry a space that can never be filled by anyone.”
Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who worked with Dharmendra on the film Anupama, shared personal memories of the actor in an exclusive conversation with India Today TV.
Final Film Appearance
Dharmendra was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. His final on-screen appearance will be in the war biopic Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda, scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
The actor is survived by his first wife Prakash Kaur, sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, second wife Hema Malini, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. In 2012, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
