Actor Dharmendra
Mumbai: Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89 on Monday, November 24, 2025.
He is survived by his wife Hema Malini, sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol and daughters Vijeeta, Ajeeta, Esha and Ahana.
Known for his exceptional looks, the veteran actor has delivered hits like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Dharam Veer, Jugnu, Bandini, Dream Girl, Charas, Seeta Aur Geeta and Pratiggya.
Days short of his 90th birthday, Dharmendra, was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital following age issues and was put on ventilator support.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on 8 December 1935 in a Punjabi Jat family in Nasrali in Ludhiana district of Punjab and later moved to Sahnewal and studied at Government Senior Secondary School at Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana.
He earned the sobriquet of He-Man for his great physique and the action roles that he played in Hindi cinema.
He was popularly known as Dharam Ji and Dharam Paaji.
Dharmendra was known for his versatility, looks, charm and magnetic screen presence - which earned cheers from the film-lovers.
Known for his perfect blend of action and emotion, Dharmendra carved a distinct niche in an era dominated by stalwarts like Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor and then Rajesh Khanna, Sanjeev Kumar, Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.
He made his acting debut in 1958 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and quickly rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s through memorable performances in films like Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Anupama (1966), Chupke Chupke (1975), Sholay (1975), and Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973).
During his career spanning six decades, Dharmendra has appeared in more than 300 films.
Dharmendra has worked alongside the top actors and worked for leading filmmakers, directors and producers.
Apart from acting, he ventured into film production with his banner Vijayta Films, which launched the careers of his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.
Beyond his film career, Dharmendra also served as a Lok Sabha member from Bikaner (2004–2009), representing the BJP.
In Sholay—released in 1975— he played the lovable Veeru alongside Jay essayed by Amitabh Bachchan.
His contributions earned him the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
His final on-screen appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis.
Dharmendra’s conic dialogues — “Kutte, Kamine! Main tera khoon pi jaunga!” and “Basanti, in kutto ke samne mat nachna” — will echo in the hearts of his fans.