25 Nov. 2025, DELHI
Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra died in Mumbai at the age of 89, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the veteran star, saying his demise closes a remarkable chapter in film history. Known for his humility and often calling himself “a simple man,” Dharmendra enjoyed immense love and loyalty from fans for more than six decades. He starred in over 300 films, with his iconic role as Veeru in the cult classic Sholay (1975) cementing his place in cinematic history.
Throughout the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Dharmendra headlined numerous chart-topping hits. His songs ruled the airwaves, his films drew massive crowds, and his romance with actress Hema Malini captivated the nation. Nicknamed Bollywood’s first “He-Man” and “Garam Dharam,” he was globally recognised for his striking looks, with many calling him one of the “most handsome men” of his time.
Celebrities, too, admired his charm: Madhuri Dixit once said he was among the best-looking actors ever, Salman Khan called him the “most beautiful man,” and Jaya Bachchan referred to him as a “Greek God.” Dharmendra, however, modestly credited his looks to “nature, my parents, and my genes.”
Born Dharam Singh Deol on 8 December 1935 in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, he grew up in a Jatt-Sikh household. Though his father wanted him to focus on academics, Dharmendra was captivated by cinema from his school years. Winning the All India Talent Contest by Filmfare magazine paved the way for his move to Bombay and launched his film career.
After debuting with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, Dharmendra dominated the industry for nearly 30 years. His breakthrough performance came in Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963), followed by a successful run as a romantic hero opposite top actresses like Meena Kumari, Nutan, and Saira Banu. His transition to action movies began with Phool Aur Patthar in 1966 and solidified with the hugely popular Mera Gaon Mera Desh in 1971. Known for performing his own stunts, he gained a reputation as one of Bollywood’s most dynamic action stars.
Dharmendra’s comic timing also earned praise, especially for his performance in the 1975 classic Chupke Chupke. Despite acting opposite more than 70 leading ladies, his most memorable on-screen pairing was with Hema Malini. Their chemistry in films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, and Sholay fueled public fascination, especially since Dharmendra was already married with children. After much media attention and family resistance, the couple married in 1980.
Dharmendra also had a brief political career as the BJP MP from Bikaner between 2005 and 2009 but later admitted he felt out of place in politics, calling himself “too emotional” for the field.
He continued working well into his later years—acting in films with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, appearing on television, and staying active on social media. Yet, the role that defined him forever was Veeru in Sholay, a film he considered his best work. Many fans believed he was the “soul” of the blockbuster.
Despite his enormous popularity, Dharmendra never formally became Bollywood’s top-ranked star nor won major competitive awards. Filmfare honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award only in 1997. In 2012, he received the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
Dharmendra often said he valued love more than fame or money. “I came to Mumbai for love, and I received it from everyone,” he once said.
After news of his passing spread, tributes flooded social media. Akshay Kumar called him the hero every boy dreamed of becoming, while filmmaker Karan Johar said his death leaves a void that “can never be filled.”
