The world of Indian cinema woke up to heartbreaking news on 24 November 2025 , as veteran actor Dharmendra , affectionately hailed as Bollywoods He-Man , passed away at the age of 89 . For millions, this wasnt just the loss of an actorit was the end of an era that shaped childhoods, inspired careers, and created cinematic memories that refuse to fade.
Dharmendra had recently been discharged from Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital on 12 November. Doctors had stated he was stable and recovering at home, giving fans hope that he would soon be back on his feet. Tragically, fate had other plans. The legendary star would have celebrated his 90th birthday on 8 December.
In a career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films, Dharmendra legacy that few can match. His screen presence was magnetic, his emotional depth was effortless, and his versatilityfrom romance to comedy to full-throttle actionmade him a true all-rounder. Today, as the industry stands united in grief, the tributes pouring in speak volumes about the man he wasboth on and off-screen.
A Final Goodbye: Celebrities Gather to Pay Their Respects
As news of Dharmendras passing spread, several prominent figures from Bollywood rushed to the crematorium to bid him farewell. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as colleagues, admirers, and close friends gathered to honor the legendary star.
Hema Malini and Esha Deol Arrive in Grief
Dharmendras wife, actress Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol were among the first to be spotted arriving at the funeral home. Heartbroken and visibly shaken, they stood united as the industry mourned with them.
Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan Pay Their Final Respects
Aamir Khan, dressed in white, attended the funeral to offer condolences. Moments later, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendras iconic Sholay co-star, arrived with his son Abhishek Bachchan. Amitabhs bond with Dharmendra goes beyond cinemashared memories, shared milestones, and a brotherhood built over decades.
Warm Tributes from Bollywood: Remembering the Man Behind the Legend
Dharmendra Passes Away, What makes Dharmendras passing even more emotional is the flood of heartfelt tributes across social media from actors, filmmakers, and fans alike.
Pulkit Samrat: Dharam Ji Held Up Generations
Actor Pulkit Samrat posted a touching message along with a monochrome photograph of Dharmendra.
He wrote:
There are actors& and then there are pillars! Dharam ji held up entire generations with his courage, charm and goodness.
Pulkit called Dharmendra a father figure to cinema, thanking him for the purity and warmth he embodied effortlessly.
Kareena Kapoor Khan: Forever in Power
Kareena Kapoor shared two beautiful black-and-white photographs of Dharmendra with her grandfather Raj Kapoor.
They showed the two legends embracing and smilinga moment frozen in time. Kareena captioned it simply:
Forever in power.
It was a tribute as elegant and timeless as the actors themselves.
Ajay Devgn: Weve Lost a Legend
Ajay Devgn expressed his grief on Instagram, writing:
Heartbroken to hear about Dharam ji. His warmth, generosity and presence inspired generations of artists. The industry has lost a legend& and weve lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema.
Gippy Grewal: An Emotional Farewell
Punjabi actor-filmmaker Gippy Grewal penned a heartfelt note:
Its truly difficult to accept this sudden demise& Weve lost not just a great person, but a great, handsome actor and a guiding light.
His words reflected what many felt: that Dharmendra wasnt just a starhe was a beacon.
Karan Johar: The End of an Era
One of the most emotional tributes came from filmmaker Karan Johar, who shared a poignant message online. He called Dharmendra:
A massive megastar& the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema& and the best human being.
Karan spoke about the warmth, kindness, and positivity Dharmendra carried with him, adding:
There will always be one and only Dharam ji. We will miss you so much& The heavens are blessed today.
Dharmendras Health Journey: A Battle Fought Bravely
Dharmendra Passes Away, In late October 2025, the actor had been hospitalized and, according to reports, placed under strict observation. On 10 November, sources confirmed that Dharmendras condition had been critical, and for a while, he had been on life support.
However, just two days later, there appeared to be positive news.
Dr. Rajiv Sharma of Breach Candy Hospital had reassured fans:
Dharmendra ji has gone home with full satisfaction& He is stable. We request the public not to spread false news but pray for his recovery.
Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the beloved actor could not win this last fight.
Dharmendras Upcoming Projects: A Career That Refused to Slow Down
Even at 89, Dharmendra was far from retired. His passion for cinema stayed alive until the very end.
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024)
His last theatrical appearance was in this romantic sci-fi comedy starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Dharmendras performance added warmth and nostalgia to the film.
Ikkis: A Role Fans Were Excited For
Dharmendra was also set to appear in director Sriram Raghavans upcoming war biopic Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher. The film, based on war hero Arun Khetarpal, was scheduled for a December release.
Fans were eagerly waiting to see Dharmendra in a powerful role once again, but destiny left the film as one of his final contributions.
A Legendary Career: Six Decades of Pure Stardom
Dharmendras career began in the early 1960s, and it didnt take long before he rose to superstardom.
Breakthrough Films of the 1960s
He gained fame with hits like:
-
Ayee Milan Ki Bela
-
Phool Aur Patthar
-
Aaye Din Bahar Ke
Golden Era: 1970s1980s Blockbusters
The late 60s to the 80s were Dharmendras defining years. He starred in a long list of superhits, including:
-
Shikar
-
Mera Gaon Mera Desh
-
Seeta Aur Geeta
-
Jugnu
-
Yaadon Ki Baaraat
-
Dost
-
Pratiggya
-
Sholay (the iconic Veeru)
-
Dharam Veer
-
Charas
-
The Burning Train
His unparalleled success earned him the record for appearing in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.
Memorable Later Roles
Even in his later years, Dharmendra stole the show with strong roles in:
-
Life in a& Metro
-
Johnny Gaddaar
-
Apne
-
Yamla Pagla Deewana
-
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
-
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya
He proved that true talent doesnt ageif anything, it becomes richer.
Why Dharmendra Remained Irreplaceable
What made Dharmendra such a towering figure?
It wasnt just his looks, his muscles, or even his actingthough he excelled in all three. It was his humility, kindness, and genuine human warmth.
He treated people with respect, mentored younger actors, and kept his feet firmly on the ground despite his superstardom.
He wasnt just a hero on screen; he lived like one in real life.
A Legacy Immortalized Forever
Dharmendra Passes Away, Dharmendras passing leaves behind a vacuum no one can fill. But his legacy? Thats eternal.
-
His films continue to be watched across generations.
-
His dialogues remain iconic.
-
His charm refuses to fade.
-
His contribution continues to inspire every newcomer stepping into Bollywood.
He gave cinema not just characters but momentsmoments that shaped Bollywoods golden era.
Conclusion
Dharmendra Passes Away, Dharmendras departure marks the end of a monumental chapter in Indian cinema. While the grief is overwhelming, the legacy he leaves behind is even more powerful. His films, his warmth, his humility, and his timeless screen presence will continue to live in the hearts of millions.
He wasnt just Bollywoods He-Manhe was its heartbeat.
Farewell, Dharam ji.
Your era may have ended, but your story never will.
