Indian cinema grieves as Bollywood legend Dharmendra passes away at 89
Tributes pour in as stars and fans honour his remarkable six-decade legacy
MUMBAI – Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra has died at the age of 89 in Mumbai due to heart-related complications.
He had been placed on life support after returning from Breach Candy Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.
Videos of an ambulance outside his residence earlier in the day had sparked concern, followed by confirmation of his passing.
Mumbai: Actor Salman Khan arrives at Pawan Hans crematorium pic.twitter.com/qZFM1uQmkT
— IANS (@ians_india) November 24, 2025
Mumbai: Actor Sanjay Dutt arrives at Pawan Hans crematorium pic.twitter.com/BmiY5G5utI
— IANS (@ians_india) November 24, 2025
The news has prompted tributes from across India’s film fraternity, political sphere and fans worldwide.
Dharmendra’s legacy
Born on 8 December 1935 in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharam Singh Deol, fondly known as Dharmendra, became one of the most beloved stars in Bollywood history. His career spanned more than six decades, featuring over 300 films across genres, from romance and comedy to action and drama.
Known as Bollywood’s original “He-Man”, he earned widespread admiration for roles in landmark films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, Phool Aur Patthar and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. His depiction of Veeru in Sholay remains one of the most iconic performances in Indian cinema, with audiences lauding his charisma, humour and enduring screen presence.
Often featured in global lists of the most handsome film stars, Dharmendra became a cultural phenomenon. His female fans famously kept his photographs under their pillows, and colleagues called him a “Greek God”. Salman Khan once described him as the “most beautiful looking man”, while Madhuri Dixit called him “one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen”.
Personal bonds
Dharmendra’s real-life romance with Hema Malini, later his wife, was closely followed by millions. Their chemistry in films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay and Raja Jani defined an era of Indian cinema. Tributes from industry veterans poured in, with actress Saira Banu recalling him as “Dilip Kumar’s younger brother”, emotionally describing the depth of their association.
Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and AR Rahman were among those who gathered or shared heartfelt farewell messages, calling his death “the end of an era”.
VIDEO | Mumbai: Actor Akshay Kumar arrives at Pawan Hans Crematorium.#Maharashtra #AkshayKumar
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/foIZWdiGDT
Dharmendra, who also served as a BJP Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2009, was known for his humility and warmth. Despite his immense fame, he always described himself as “a simple man” who valued love more than stardom. His first film signing reportedly earned him just INR51, a memory he fondly shared on national television.
The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025
His final rites were held at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans Crematorium, where stars including Shabana Azmi, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Kapil Sharma gathered to pay respects.
Fans lined the roads, carrying posters and garlands, bidding farewell to a legend whose legacy shaped Indian cinema.