Veteran actor Dharmendra passes away

The heart of Indian cinema has lost one of its brightest lights.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man" of Bollywood, is no more. He passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai on Monday, November 10.

The veteran actor was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital after he complained of breathlessness. He had been critical and on life support.

He is survived by his wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur, and his children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol.

The news of Dharmendra’s death has left the film industry mourning. The news of his passing comes just weeks before his 90th birthday, which he was set to celebrate on December 8. His demise is a huge loss to Indian cinema.

Tributes are pouring in from fans, fellow actors and the film fraternity, who remember him not just as a legendary actor, but also as an inspiration to many.

Javed Akhtar shared the tragic news on X as he shared, “With Dharm Ji an era of Indian film industry has come to its end. He was a perfect combination of masculinity and gentleness. Dignity and humility. Charm and power. any one who looks at his body of work will know that he was an actor for all the seasons. He was a kind and a polite person with a heart of gold. My deepest condolences to Deol family. We who have been fortunate enough to work with him will always miss him.”

Rajnath Singh also shared the tragic news, “Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. A versatile actor who brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers.”

Several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda and Ameesha Patel, were seen visiting Breach Candy Hospital late at night after news of his critical health emerged online.

Earlier this year, Dharmendra underwent an eye graft surgery. A video of him walking out of the hospital with a bandaged eye had gone viral. He then told the paps, “I am strong. Abhi bhi Dharmendra mein bahut dum hai. Abhi bhi jaan rakhta hoon. Meri aankh, eye graft (corneal transplantation) ho gayi hai. I am strong. Love you, my audience and my fans."

Dharmendra, born Dharmendra Deol, was born to a school teacher in the Sahnewal village of Ludhiana district, Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra won a national talent contest organised by a film magazine and made his debut in Hindi films in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. The film went unnoticed and it was only next year that he delivered his first success, Shola Aur Shabnam. He followed it up with Mohan Kumar’s Anpadh (1962), and Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963), which won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

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 catapulted Dharmendra to stardom.

Throughout the years, Dharmendra’s filmography grew to include iconic blockbusters such as Sholay, Raja Jani, Seeta Aur Geeta, Kahani Kismat Ki, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Charas, Azaad and Dillagi, showcasing his range and versatility as an actor.

With a career spanning over six decades, Dharmendra was one of the most beloved actors in Indian cinema. He starred in over 300 films over the years, holding the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

Tum Haseen Mai Jawan was Hema Malini’s debut film, and her pairing with Dharmendra proved to be a hit. They went on to work together in a number of films. It was during the 1970s that Dharmendra fell in love with film actor Hema Malini, even though he was already married to Prakash Kaur at the time, and was a father to four children – sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Ajeeta and Vijayta.

His and Hema’s love story was nothing less than a movie as the two were ready to go against the world to be with each other. Despite opposition from Hema’s family, and amid conversations of her alliance with Jeetendra, Hema and Dharmendra got married. They later welcomed two daughters – Esha and Ahana.

While Dharmendra was also married to Hema, he continued to live with his first wife Prakash and his extended family, while Hema lived close by. Over the years, it has been speculated that there was animosity within the family but they have largely tried to maintain a united front.

Towards the later part of his career, he was seen in supporting roles in films like Life in a… Metro, Johnny Gaddar, Apne, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Dharmendra was last seen in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, is set to release this December. The biographical war drama also stars Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaideep Ahlawat in lead roles, and is directed by Sriram Raghavan. It is slated to release in December this year.

Dharmendra had a short-lived political career as well. The actor contested from Bikaner in Rajasthan during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and served the constituency till 2009. He did not return to politics after this even though his wife Hema continues to be a serving Member of Parliament and his son Sunny has also been an active politician in the past.

Dharmendra wasn’t just an actor, he was an emotion, a timeless presence who brought charm, warmth, and strength to every frame. From his effortless humor to his unshakable grace, he taught generations what it truly means to live and love with passion.

His legacy will forever echo through the stories he told and the hearts he touched.