In a sad turn of events, legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89. According to IANS, the actor, known for his larger-than-life persona and enduring charm, died earlier today. His death has left the Bollywood fraternity in shock and mourning. Dharmendra had been recovering at home after being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, 2025. He had been admitted to the hospital on October 31, 2025, and his family had confirmed that his health had deteriorated in the past few weeks.
A Legendary Career Spanning Six Decades
Dharmendra’s career in the Indian film industry spanned over 65 years, making him one of the most iconic figures in Bollywood. Born on December 8, 1935, in the village of Sahnewal, Punjab, he made his acting debut in 1960 with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Dharmendra gained immense popularity during the 1960s with films like Phool Aur Patthar, Ayee Din Bahaar Ke, and I Milan Ki Bela. It was during this period that he earned the title of ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood, a status that he maintained throughout his career.
He starred in more than 300 films and is remembered for his powerful performances in films like Sholay, Dharmveer, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Dream Girl. Dharmendra’s strong on-screen presence and versatility won him the admiration of millions of fans worldwide. His recent appearances, including in the film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiyaa, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, showcased his timeless appeal.
Dharmendra’s Last Film and Upcoming Projects
Dharmendra’s last film appearance was in the upcoming movie Ikis, directed by Agastya Nanda. Scheduled for release on December 25, 2025, the film has already generated a lot of excitement, especially with the release of its trailer, which gave a glimpse of Dharmendra’s remarkable performance. His fans were eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen, making his sudden passing even more poignant.
Funeral and Tributes from Bollywood Celebrities
As the news of Dharmendra’s passing spread, Bollywood stars and fans alike gathered to pay their last respects. He was cremated at the Vile Parle cremation ground, and several prominent personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, and Salman Khan, attended the funeral to bid farewell to the legend. Dharmendra’s family members, including his wife Hema Malini, daughters Esha and Ahana, and close friends were visibly emotional during the ceremony.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Dharmendra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences following the news of Dharmendra’s death. On social media, PM Modi wrote, “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a brilliant actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. His ability to portray diverse characters touched countless hearts. Dharmendra Ji was equally loved for his simplicity, humility, and kindness. My prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”
Condolences from Bollywood Celebrities
As the news broke, numerous Bollywood personalities took to social media to express their sadness over Dharmendra’s passing. Actress Kajol shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, writing, “A wonderful and great soul has left us, and the world has become poorer because of it… it feels like we are losing only the good people. A heart full of kindness and always loved. RIP Dharamji… always with love.”
Other notable tributes included heartfelt messages from veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan, who attended the funeral to offer their support and pay their respects. Shahrukh Khan’s wife, Gauri Khan, also visited the funeral to bid her final farewell.
Dharmendra’s Influence on the Film Industry
Dharmendra was not only an actor but a symbol of Bollywood’s golden age. He was a versatile actor who excelled in both action-packed roles and romantic characters. His charm and natural style of acting made him a favorite among the masses. He worked with some of the biggest stars of his time, including Hema Malini, his wife and co-star in several films, and Amitabh Bachchan, with whom he starred in the iconic film Sholay.
Over the decades, Dharmendra remained one of the most respected actors in the industry. Despite the changing trends in Bollywood, he continued to find success, and his presence in films was always met with excitement. His journey from a charming leading man to a beloved elder statesman of the industry is an inspiring story of resilience and passion for cinema.
Final Moments and Last Goodbye
Dharmendra’s family and close friends were with him in his final moments. His funeral was an emotional occasion, with people from all walks of life mourning the loss of one of Bollywood’s greatest stars. His daughter, Esha Deol, was seen arriving at the funeral with tearful eyes, clearly devastated by the loss of her father. The scene at the cremation ground was filled with sorrow as friends, family, and fans paid their respects.
The Legacy of Dharmendra
Dharmendra’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. His contribution to Bollywood will never be forgotten, and his work will continue to inspire generations to come. From his early days in Phool Aur Patthar to his legendary role in Sholay, Dharmendra created an indelible mark on the hearts of his fans. He was not just a star but a symbol of strength, integrity, and grace. As Bollywood says its final goodbye to one of its finest, Dharmendra’s legacy will forever remain etched in the history of Indian cinema.
The death of Dharmendra is a great loss to Indian cinema, and the entire nation mourns the passing of this legendary actor. His films, contributions, and larger-than-life persona will continue to inspire countless fans and filmmakers. As the Bollywood industry and his family come to terms with this loss, Dharmendra’s impact on Indian cinema will remain immortal.
