Indian cinema today mourns the loss of one of its most enduring stars, Dharmendra (born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol), who passed away on 24 November 2025 at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89. Known affectionately as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, Dharmendra’s career spanned six decades and over 300 films, across genres from action and romance to comedy and drama. His breakthrough roles in movies like Sholay (1975) where he memorably played Veeru, cemented his place in cinematic history.
Beyond his on-screen charisma, Dharmendra was celebrated for his humility, warmth and enduring appeal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his passing as “the end of an era in Indian cinema”. Even as he enjoyed legend-status, Dharmendra remained grounded—his journey from a farming family in Punjab to film stardom symbolised resilience and passion.
He is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and children including Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol. At Bollywood’s heart, his demise will leave a void not just of a screen-idol but of a man whose presence defined generations of fans and actors alike. His legacy will live on in the countless performances he delivered and the affection he earned worldwide.