Dharmendra Deol, Bollywood’s legendary “He-Man” and one of Indian cinema’s most beloved actors, passed away on November 24, 2025, at age 89 at his Mumbai residence after a brief illness. Just days before his 90th birthday on December 8, the veteran actor—whose career spanned 65 years and over 300 films—succumbed to respiratory complications following hospitalization at Breach Candy Hospital on October 31. His last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium with family including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, wife Hema Malini, daughters Esha and Ahana, and industry luminaries including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Karan Johar in attendance. Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra rose from modest beginnings to become one of Hindi cinema’s highest-grossing stars, with iconic films like Sholay (1975, ₹35 crore / $1.493 billion inflation-adjusted), Phool Aur Patthar (1966, ₹14.40 crore worldwide), and Seeta Aur Geeta (1972, ₹16.4 crore worldwide) defining multiple generations of Indian moviegoers and establishing him as the archetypal romantic-action hero.
Final Days and Health Struggles
On October 31, 2025, Dharmendra was rushed to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing serious breathing difficulties. The 89-year-old actor was placed in ICU under close observation, with doctors monitoring his vital signs and ensuring respiratory stability. According to family sources, Dharmendra was placed on ventilator support from November 10 onwards as his condition deteriorated.
After weeks of treatment, Dharmendra was discharged on November 12, 2025, to continue recovery at home. However, his health continued to decline, and he passed away peacefully at his Mumbai residence on the morning of November 24, 2025—just 14 days before his 90th birthday.
Previous Health Challenges: Earlier in 2025, Dharmendra underwent a corneal transplant (eye graft) after his left eye’s cornea was damaged and had turned cloudy. He had also been hospitalized previously for routine check-ups and ailments including muscle strain and back pain—common for someone with such an extensive career involving physical action roles.
Film Journey: From Village Boy to Bollywood’s He-Man
Early Life (1935-1959): Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra came from modest beginnings. His journey to stardom began when he won a Filmfare talent contest, which opened doors to the Hindi film industry.
Film Debut (1960): Dharmendra made his acting debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), serenading audiences with the song “Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhai Mein Aawaz Na Do.” His early vulnerability and charm immediately captured hearts.
Breakthrough Era (1961-1965): His first box office success came with Shola Aur Shabnam (1961), followed by hit films like Anpadh (1962) and Bandini (1963), where he was cast by renowned director Bimal Roy. He played supporting roles to established stars like Rajendra Kumar in Aaye Milan Ki Bela and Balraj Sahni, gradually building his reputation.
Stardom Arrives (1966): Phool Aur Patthar (1966) became his career-defining moment, establishing him as a solo leading man and action hero. The film’s massive success (₹14.40 crore worldwide) earned him the nickname “He-Man” and transformed him into one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.
Iconic Movies and Box Office Dominance
1. Sholay (1975) – All-Time Blockbuster:
– Box Office: ₹35 crore (original run) / ₹1,493.5 crore (inflation-adjusted 2025)
– Role: Veeru (petty criminal duo with Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai)
– Significance: Highest-grossing Hindi film for 19 years, integral part of Indian popular culture
– Legacy: Dharmendra’s portrayal of Veeru—the lovable, comedic, and loyal friend—remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved characters
2. Phool Aur Patthar (1966) – Career Breakthrough:
– Budget: ₹0.70 crore
– India Net Collection: ₹2.70 crore
– Worldwide Gross: ₹14.40 crore (including ₹9 crore from Soviet Union)
– Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER (Highest-grossing film of 1966)
– Impact: Established Dharmendra as “He-Man” and leading action star
– Note: Role was originally offered to Sunil Dutt, who declined
3. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972):
– Budget: ₹0.40 crore
– India Net: ₹3.25 crore
– Worldwide: ₹16.4 crore
– Co-star: Hema Malini (double role)
– Director: Ramesh Sippy
4. Apne (2007) – Modern Era Success:
– India Net: ₹21.9 crore
– Worldwide: ₹38.81 crore
– Significance: Highest-grossing Dharmendra film of modern era
– Family Drama: Featured Dharmendra alongside sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol
Other Major Hits:
– Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971): ₹3.85 crore
– Aankhen (1968): ₹3.2 crore
– Dharam Veer (1977): ₹12 crore
– Pratigya: ₹3.5 crore
– Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011): Commercial hit with sons
Career Statistics:
– Total Films: 300+ (1960-2025)
– Record: Starred in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema history
– Career Span: 65 years
– Filmfare Best Actor Nominations: 4
Personal Relationships and Family
First Marriage: Prakash Kaur (married in 1954)
– Children: Sunny Deol (actor, born 1956), Bobby Deol (actor, born 1969), Vijeeta Deol (daughters), Ajeeta Deol
Second Marriage: Hema Malini (actress, married 1980)
– Children: Esha Deol (actress, born 1981), Ahana Deol (born 1985)
– Note: Dharmendra converted to Islam to marry Hema Malini without divorcing his first wife, as Indian law at the time allowed Muslim men multiple marriages
On-Screen Chemistry: Dharmendra and Hema Malini starred together in numerous hit films including Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dream Girl, and Charas. Their real-life romance blossomed during the filming of Tum Haseen Main Jawan (1970).
Family Legacy: Both sons Sunny and Bobby Deol became successful Bollywood actors. Dharmendra produced several films under his banner Vijayta Films, including Betaab (1983, launching Sunny) and Ghayal (1990), which won 7 Filmfare Awards including Best Film and the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.
Industry Tributes and Legacy
Karan Johar: “The end of an era. His warmth, grace, and timeless charm will be eternally remembered. His farewell was filled with love.”
Madhur Bhandarkar: “The real He-Man of Indian cinema. His remarkable contributions mark the end of an era in Indian cinema and will be eternally remembered. Om Shanti.”
Cultural Impact: Dharmendra transcended typical stardom to become a cultural phenomenon. His roles ranged from romantic leads in the 1960s to action heroes in the 1970s-80s, and finally character roles in the 1990s-2000s. He maintained humility despite fame, never forgetting his Punjab roots—a quality his family and colleagues consistently praised.
Political Career: Dharmendra briefly served as a Member of Parliament representing Bikaner constituency from 2004-2009 as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Final Film: News of his death came hours after the first look poster of his upcoming film Ikkis went viral on social media, a bittersweet reminder of his dedication to cinema until the very end.
