Veteran actor Dharmendra passes away at 89 in Mumbai
Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra (89), the 'He-Man of India,' passed away. His 6-decade career included over 300 films like Sholay. He was a Padma Bhushan recipient and former MP.
Last Updated: 02.42 PM, Nov 24, 2025
Veteran actor Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated and prolific leading men, passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Juhu, Mumbai. He was 89.
Legacy of He-Man of India
The actor, widely known as "He-Man of India" for his action roles, had been recuperating at home following a recent hospitalisation for a health issue earlier this month. His passing marks the end of a remarkable cinematic career that spanned over six decades and included more than 300 films.
The cremation was held on Monday at the Pawan Hans crematorium, attended by family members.
Early life and debut
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in a village in Ludhiana in 1935, the future star made his film debut in 1960 with the romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. In the 1960s, he initially established himself as a romantic hero, with films like Bandini and Ayee Milan Ki Bela.
His career saw a significant turn with Chetan Anand's 1965 war film Haqeeqat, but it was the 1966 action-drama Phool Aur Patthar that propelled him to stardom.
Dominance in the 1970s and iconic roles
Dharmendra dominated the 1970s, featuring in some of Bollywood’s most successful films, including Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, the comedy Chupke Chupke, and the iconic 1975 film Sholay, where he played the character Veeru.
He successfully transitioned to action films in the 1980s, earning the moniker 'He-Man of India'. In later years, he skilfully moved into character roles, delivering notable performances in films such as Johnny Gaddaar and the recent Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. His final film, Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, is scheduled to release next month, on December 25, 2025.
Dharmendra's family
Dharmendra is survived by his two wives, Prakash Kaur and actor Hema Malini, and his six children. His sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, are known public figures. His other two daughters are Vijeta and Ajeeta.
Beyond his film career, Dharmendra also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from 2004 to 2009 on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket.
Honour by Government of India
In 2012, for his contributions to Indian cinema, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour.