Legendary actor Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and enduring figures, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89, marking the end of an era in Bollywood. Known affectionately as the “He-Man” of Hindi films, Dharmendra’s death has left the film fraternity and millions of fans in profound grief.
Earlier this month, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital, and his family had said he was recuperating. However, on November 24, an ambulance was seen leaving his residence, and several celebrities arrived at the Juhu crematorium, leading to widespread speculation. While his family has not yet issued an official confirmation, filmmaker Karan Johar announced his death, calling it “the end of an era.”
Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 300 films and established himself as a versatile performer equally adept at action, drama, and comedy. His filmography includes some of Bollywood’s most celebrated classics, such as Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Chupke Chupke, and Yaadon Ki Baarat. His charismatic screen presence and effortless charm made him one of the most admired stars of his generation.
He is survived by his wife Hema Malini, his first wife Prakash Kaur, and his children — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Ajeeta, and Vijeta. His family, deeply rooted in the film world, has long carried forward his cinematic legacy.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dharmendra received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2012, recognizing his invaluable contributions to Indian cinema. His final film appearance will be in the forthcoming movie Ikkis, scheduled for release later this year.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, with colleagues, filmmakers, politicians, and fans remembering him as a towering figure of Hindi cinema. Many have described his death as a monumental loss — truly marking the end of an era.