Known as the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra has left behind a remarkable legacy spanning over six decades.
Published Nov 24, 2025 | 2:53 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 24, 2025 | 2:53 PM
Dharmendra.
Synopsis: Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra died at the age of 89 at his residence. Known as the He-Man of Bollywood, he has left behind a remarkable legacy spanning over six decades.
Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, died at the age of 89 at his residence in Mumbai on Monday, 24 November.
The actor was undergoing rehabilitation after he was admitted at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following respiratory issues earlier this month. Known as the He-Man of Bollywood, he has left behind a remarkable legacy spanning over six decades.
He is survived by his wife, Hema Malini, and six children — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Ajeeta and Vijeta.
Dharmendra began his career with the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and worked in over 300 films in his career. He was felicitated with Padma Bhushan in 2012. He was last seen in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya , and his final on-screen appearance will be in Ikkis, set to release on 25 December.
His breakthrough came with the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar, in which he starred opposite Meena Kumari. The movie was a huge success, and it took Dharmendra to superstar status.
Dharmendra’s most notable acting performances include Satyakam (1969) with Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Sholay (1975), and Chupke Chupke (1975).
Born in a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at the age of 19, before entering the film industry. Later, he fell in love with actor Hema Malini and married her. He also holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.
He won the National Film Award as a producer for the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for the 1990 action film Ghayal, starring his son Sunny Deol and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Dharmendra was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
Several Bollywood celebrities expressed condolences following the veteran actor’s passing.
He is expected to be cremated at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai.
