Indian cinema lost its original He-Man on November 24, 2025, when veteran actor Dharmendra Deol passed away at his Mumbai home at the age of 89, just 14 days before his 90th birthday. His death, confirmed by filmmaker Karan Johar on social media, sent shockwaves through a nation that had watched him dominate screens for nearly seven decades. Dharmendra had been under medical care at Breach Candy Hospital from October 31 to November 12, 2025, after reporting breathlessness. Though his family insisted his condition had stabilized and tests were normal, rumors of critical illness persisted — only to be confirmed by his quiet passing weeks later.
The End of an Era
His final moments were private, shielded from the media frenzy that had surrounded his hospitalization. A hospital employee had leaked intimate videos during his stay, prompting outrage from insiders like Nikitin Dheer and Farah Khan Ali, who condemned the intrusion. "They’re vultures," one source told NDTV. The family, led by his wife, actress Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol, maintained dignity amid the chaos. His last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai on the afternoon of November 24, 2025, in a solemn ceremony known locally as mukhagni, where close family lit the pyre.
A Funeral for the Nation
What followed was less a funeral and more a national moment of grief. The streets outside the crematorium were lined with police, not just for crowd control, but as a mark of respect. The who’s who of Bollywood stood shoulder to shoulder: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan — the very actors who grew up idolizing him — paid their final respects. Even Mohanlal, the Malayalam icon, called him "He-Man," a title Dharmendra earned not just for his muscular frame but for his unshakable screen presence. Veteran Chiranjeevi said, "His legacy will live on in the hearts of millions."
Political Tributes and Public Mourning
Beyond cinema, Dharmendra’s influence reached politics. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath posted in Hindi: "The death of popular film actor Shri Dharmendra ji is extremely sorrowful and an irreparable loss to the art and film world." Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiment, calling his contributions "unparalleled" and his passing "heartbreaking." It was a rare moment when the political and cultural spheres aligned — not in debate, but in reverence. Even Singer Usha Uthup, known for her exuberance, told NDTV, "We are so devastated and grieved."
From Punjab Village to Silver Screen Legend
Dharmendra was born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village, Ludhiana district, in what was then British India’s Punjab Province. He attended Government Senior Secondary School Sahnewal, where his love for physicality and discipline took root — traits that would define his screen persona. He moved to Mumbai in the early 1960s with little more than ambition and a chiseled physique. His breakthrough came in Phool Aur Patthar (1966), but it was Sholay (1975) that cemented his mythic status. He wasn’t just an actor; he was the embodiment of righteous masculinity in a time when Indian cinema needed heroes who could fight, love, and cry with equal intensity.
Legacy in Film and Family
His filmography reads like a timeline of Hindi cinema’s golden age: Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Dost (1974), Pratiggya (1975), Dharam Veer (1977). He worked with directors from Ramesh Sippy to Manoj Kumar, and his chemistry with co-stars like Hema Malini became the stuff of legend. Off-screen, he was a devoted family man. He married Hema Malini in 1970, and together they raised Sunny Deol and Esha Deol. He also raised Bobby Deol from a prior relationship — a son who would follow him into stardom. His political career, as a Lok Sabha MP from Bikaner (2004–2009), showed another dimension: a man who understood public service beyond the camera.
His Final Frame: 'Ikkis'
Even in death, Dharmendra’s story isn’t over. His final film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is set to release on December 25, 2025. The film features Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, as the young lead — a symbolic passing of the torch. In one scene, Dharmendra’s character delivers a line that now feels prophetic: "The world moves on, but what you leave behind? That stays."
What Happened After His Hospital Discharge?
After being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, 2025, Dharmendra was under constant care at home. His medical team, led by Dr. Pratit Samdani, had assured the public he was stable. But the toll of age and illness had taken its silent toll. There were no dramatic setbacks, no public decline — just a quiet fading, the kind that often comes to those who lived loudly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Dharmendra earn the title 'He-Man' of Indian cinema?
Dharmendra earned the nickname 'He-Man' for his muscular physique, commanding screen presence, and roles as the stoic, righteous hero in 1970s Bollywood. Films like 'Sholay' and 'Phool Aur Patthar' showcased his physicality and emotional depth, making him the archetype of Indian masculinity at a time when heroes needed to be both tough and tender. The term stuck because he embodied strength without losing humanity.
Which Bollywood stars attended Dharmendra’s funeral?
The funeral was attended by nearly every major star of modern Hindi cinema, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. Even veteran actors like Mohanlal and Chiranjeevi were present. Their attendance wasn’t just ceremonial — it was a tribute from a generation that grew up watching him, and who now saw him as the foundation of their own careers.
What was Dharmendra’s political career like?
Dharmendra served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan. He was known for his down-to-earth approach and advocacy for rural development. Unlike many celebrities in politics, he didn’t seek the spotlight — his tenure was marked by quiet service, reflecting the same integrity he brought to his films.
Will Dharmendra’s final film 'Ikkis' be released posthumously?
Yes, 'Ikkis', directed by Sriram Raghavan and co-starring Agastya Nanda, is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. The film was completed before his death and will serve as his cinematic farewell. Scenes featuring Dharmendra were reportedly shot with great care, and the production team has vowed to honor his performance without alteration.
How did Dharmendra’s family respond to media intrusion during his hospitalization?
The family, especially Hema Malini and Esha Deol, publicly condemned the leak of private hospital videos, calling out "vultures" in the media. They emphasized their right to privacy during a vulnerable time. The hospital initiated an internal investigation into the employee responsible, though no public charges have been filed as of now.
What made Dharmendra different from other stars of his time?
While many stars of the 60s and 70s were either romantic leads or villains, Dharmendra carved a unique space as the everyman hero — strong but kind, silent but expressive. He didn’t need dialogue to convey emotion. His eyes, his posture, his walk — they told stories. He also stayed true to his roots, never letting fame distance him from his Punjabi identity or his family values.
