Dharmendra: Bollywood Mourns the Loss of ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra at 89: An Era Ends
Mumbai, November 25, 2025 — Indian cinema is steeped in sorrow following the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Monday morning, November 24, 2025, in Mumbai. The veteran star, affectionately known as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy spanning over six decades and more than 300 films, just days before his 90th birthday on December 8th.
The Final Weeks and Last Rites
Dharmendra’s passing followed a brief period of declining health. He had been in and out of Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for several weeks due to age-related ailments, particularly respiratory difficulties and breathlessness. He was briefly placed on ventilator support but had shown signs of recovery and was discharged on November 12th to continue treatment at his Juhu residence, where he ultimately breathed his last.
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Cause of Death: Attributed to longstanding age-related health issues, including respiratory distress.
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Funeral: The last rites were performed in the afternoon on Monday at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
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Attendance: The funeral was a quiet, private affair attended by his immediate family, including his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, and wives Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur, alongside a host of close industry friends.
Tributes Pour In: An Industry United in Grief
Tributes from across the spectrum of politics, cinema, and sports have poured in, marking the profound impact Dharmendra had on the nation.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects, calling his death the “end of an era” and praising the actor for the “charm and depth” he brought to every role.
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The entire Bollywood fraternity was present to pay their respects, with stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth attending the cremation.
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Filmmaker Karan Johar shared an emotional tribute, writing, “It is an end of an ERA… his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe.”
A Legacy That Will Endure
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab in 1935, his journey from a village boy to a cinematic icon remains one of Bollywood’s most inspiring tales. His career showcased extraordinary versatility, moving seamlessly between genres:
| Genre | Iconic Films | Character Archetype |
| Action/Macho | Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Dharam Veer | The rugged, charismatic action hero (‘He-Man’) |
| Comedy | Chupke Chupke, Pratigya, Dost | The lovable rogue with impeccable comedic timing |
| Drama/Romantic | Satyakam, Anupama, Seeta Aur Geeta | The deeply sensitive and charming leading man |
Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012, recognizing his immense contribution to the arts.
Net Worth and Family
At the time of his passing, his net worth was widely estimated to be between ₹335 crore and ₹450 crore (approx. $40 million to $54 million USD). This wealth was accumulated through his highly successful film career, and various business ventures, including his popular restaurant chains.
He is survived by his wife, Prakash Kaur, and their four children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, and Ajeeta Deol, as well as his wife Hema Malini and their two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, all of whom carry forward his enduring cinematic legacy.
