Dharmendra, Bollywood’s Iconic He Man, Passes Away at 89 Leaving a Grand Legacy

Mumbai, Maharashtra,. India: Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, fondly known as the industry’s “He-Man,” passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai. The celebrated star, whose career stretched across more than sixty years, leaves behind a legacy that remains deeply cherished in Indian cinema.

According to reports from news agency IANS, Dharmendra breathed his last on Monday, November 24, at his Mumbai residence. Earlier this month, he had been hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital due to respiratory complications. His final film appearance will be in Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25.

Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Ajeeta, and Vijeta.

Widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s greatest actors, Dharmendra entered the film industry with the 1960 release Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Known for effortlessly balancing emotional, action-packed, and comedic roles, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012, India’s third-highest civilian honour. Throughout his long and illustrious journey, he delivered numerous memorable films including Sholay, Pratiggya, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Phool Aur Patthar, Yaadon Ki Baarat, Aye Din Bahar Ke, Ankhen, Jugnu, Dharam Veer, Hukumat, Loha, and Apne.

As a producer, his film Ghayal, featuring his son Sunny Deol, won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Dharmendra also earned several Filmfare Best Actor awards for his impactful performances in films such as Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Yaadon Ki Baarat, and Resham Ki Dori.

Born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at the age of 19, before beginning his film career. He later married actor Hema Malini.

Even at 89, Dharmendra remained active on social media, frequently sharing posts about healthy living, organic farming, and simple life lessons. His videos often showed him driving tractors, working on his farm, and engaging with fans in his warm, rustic style. His last screen appearance was in the 2024 romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.