Dharmendra, veteran actor and beloved figure of Indian cinema known as Bollywood’s “He-Man”, has died aged 89.
His death was confirmed by Indian news agency IANS, citing family sources. Indian filmmaker Karan Johar also posted a message on social media mourning the actor’s death. Multiple Indian media outlets carried visuals of his relatives and members of the film industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, entering the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai to purportedly pay their last respects to the departed actor.
Dharmendra had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on 7 November after complaining of respiratory issues and was discharged later that month.
Dharmendra leaves behind a cinematic legacy spanning more than six decades and over 300 films, including classics such as Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Chupke Chupke and Sholay.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Beyond cinema, Dharmendra briefly entered politics, serving as a Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentarian between 2004 and 2009.
He later admitted that politics was “not my true calling”, saying his heart “always belonged to films”.
Kareena Kapoor shares emotional throwback of Dharmendra and Raj Kapoor
10:28 , Shahana YasminKareena Kapoor, granddaughter of veteran Bollywood star Raj Kapoor, posted a set of throwback photos of Dharmendra with her grandfather.
Tributes pour in from across film industry
10:18 , Shahana YasminTributes from across the film industry have continued to pour in.
Urmila Matondkar said she was “at loss of words,” calling Dharmendra “handsomest of them all” and “the warmest n nicest human being”.
At loss of words…
— Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) November 24, 2025
Handsomest of them all n also warmest n nicest human being. After being a legendary star someone who could be so very charming n charismatic. You will be missed deeply sir!!
RIP #DharmendraDeol 🙏🏻
Heaven becomes even more beautiful with your entry in it!! pic.twitter.com/tMct91ajpr
Akshay Kumar remembered him as “the hero every boy wanted to be”.
Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be…our industry’s original He-Man.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 24, 2025
Thank you for inspiring generations.
You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Vj6OzV20Xz
Indian prime minister mourns Dharmendra, says he 'struck a chord with countless people'
10:08 , Shahana YasminIndian prime minister Narendra Modi shared his sorrow on the passing of Dharmendra, describing the moment as “the end of an era in Indian cinema.”
“The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.”
The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025
Filmmaker Karan Johar pays tribute to 'bonafide legend of Indian Cinema'
09:58 , Shahana YasminFilmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram with an emotional homage to Dharmendra, calling his demise “an end of an era.”
Johar, who worked with Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, wrote: “It is an end of an era. A massive mega star. The embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema. Incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence. He is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema. Defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history, but mostly he was the best human being.
He was so loved by everyone in our industry. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone. His blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe. Today there is a gaping hole in our industry. A space that can never be filled by anyone.”
Bollywood actor Dharmendra dies at 89 in Mumbai
09:47 , Shahana YasminVeteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra died in Mumbai on Monday morning, aged 89. Known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, he starred in over 300 films across six decades.
His death was confirmed by Indian news agency IANS, citing a family. Indian filmmaker Karan Johar also posted a message on social media mourning the actor’s death.
Multiple Indian media outlets carried visuals of the actor’s relatives and members of the film industry, including actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, entering the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai to purportedly pay their last respects.
