Legendary Actor Dharmendra Passes Away at 89

Dharmendra Passes Away: Veteran actor Dharmendra, one of the most celebrated and enduring stars of Hindi cinema, passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89 after a brief illness. His demise brings to a close a golden era of Bollywood defined by charm, versatility, emotional warmth and unparalleled screen presence.

Final Days and Industry Tributes

Dharmendra had recently been discharged from a Mumbai hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since early November. On 24 November, an ambulance was seen leaving his residence, confirming the tragic news that soon led friends and colleagues from the film industry to gather at a crematorium in Juhu.
Filmmaker Karan Johar publicly announced his passing, calling Dharmendra “irreplaceable” and praising him for his empathy, generosity and father-like affection toward peers and newcomers alike.

A Six-Decade Career That Defined Stardom

With a filmography spanning over 300 movies, Dharmendra built an extraordinary legacy across romance, comedy, drama and action genres.
Known for consistency and mass appeal, his career began in the early 1960s and stayed strong for decades.
His final film, “Ikkis”, is scheduled for release on 25 December 2025, making it a deeply emotional posthumous tribute to his immeasurable contribution to Indian cinema.

Iconic Roles That Shaped Indian Pop Culture

Dharmendra’s portrayal of Veeru in “Sholay” (1975) remains one of the most beloved roles in Bollywood history.
Other unforgettable performances include:

Phool Aur Patthar
Chupke Chupke
Dharam Veer
Hukumat

His rugged good looks, effortless comic timing, emotional depth, and unforgettable dance numbers helped shape the image of the quintessential Hindi film hero for generations.

Family and Personal Legacy

Dharmendra is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the Hindi film industry, where his persona defined timeless stardom, humility and love for cinema. Fans across the world continue to celebrate his films, leaving behind a legacy that will endure forever.