Dharmendra Passes Away At 89: Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Bids Farewell After An Extraordinary Six-Decade Career

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According to reports of several media outlets, veteran actor Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89 this 24 November 2025, just days ahead of his 90th birthday. An ambulance was seen leaving his Juhu residence, and heavy security was observed both at his home and at the Vile Parle crematorium in Mumbai, where senior family members and prominent figures from the film industry were reportedly present.

Photo Credit: Instagram@thenowindia

Filmmaker Karan Johar also posted on social media, calling Dharmendra's passing "an end of an era" and paying tribute to him as a legendary figure in Indian cinema. His passing, reported just days ahead of his 90th birthday, reminds us not only of the legend he became on screen but also of the journey that shaped him into a beloved icon of Indian cinema.

Respected Across Generations

When news broke of his hospitalisation, the film fraternity stood united in concern and prayer. Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai at the end of October 2025 after experiencing breathlessness and was initially placed under close observation in the ICU. Some reports mentioned he required ventilator support, though his team maintained that he was "stable and under observation."

He was discharged on 12 November to continue recovery at home, with the family requesting privacy during this time. Even after decades in the industry, Dharmendra remained loved by both older and younger generations, a sign of his timeless appeal. His humility made him approachable, and his humour made him unforgettable.

From Punjab To Bollywood: The Beginning Of A Legend

Dharmendra's journey began in Sahnewal, Punjab, where a young man with big dreams left home for Bombay in the late 1950s. Without a film background or powerful contacts, he built his career from scratch. His striking looks and natural screen presence caught attention early on, and Phool Aur Patthar (1966) made him a household name.

That film not only established him as an action hero but also as someone who could portray emotion and strength in equal measure. The nickname "He-Man of Bollywood" stayed with him, but those who watched his work closely knew he was much more than that, he was versatile, warm, and deeply relatable on screen.

The Actor Who Could Do Everything

Whether it was the fearless Veeru in 'Sholay' or the mischievous professor in 'Chupke Chupke', Dharmendra moved between genres with ease. He could make you laugh, make you believe in love, and make you root for him in action-packed dramas, often in the same decade.

He collaborated with directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Ramesh Sippy, and Bimal Roy, each film adding new shades to his on-screen persona. His pairing with Hema Malini became iconic, and their chemistry both on and off screen turned into one of Bollywood's most cherished love stories.

A Family Man At Heart

Behind the fame, Dharmendra was deeply devoted to his family. His sons Sunny and Bobby Deol often spoke about the values he instilled in them - humility, discipline, and respect for work. Even as his health declined, he stayed connected to his family's professional lives, cheering for their successes and guiding them quietly from the sidelines.

Grandsons Karan and Rajveer Deol also shared a close bond with him, often calling him their biggest inspiration. His home life reflected warmth and loyalty, traits that earned him affection from everyone who knew him personally.

Dharmendra's Empire: From Silver Screen To Business Ventures

As of 2025, Dharmendra's net worth is estimated to be between ₹335 crore and ₹450 crore, according to multiple media reports. His wealth comes from a combination of his legendary film career, his production house Vijayta Films, and lucrative real estate holdings, including his 100-acre farmhouse in Lonavala. Beyond cinema, he has invested in the restaurant business, owning ventures like Garam Dharam Dhaba and He-Man Restaurant, which have become popular landmarks along the Karnal Highway. His luxury car collection further adds to his assets, reflecting not just his cinematic success but also his acumen as an entrepreneur and investor.

Still Working, Still Loved

Dharmendra's passion for cinema never faded. He appeared recently in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani' and 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya', charming audiences with his signature warmth. He was also set to appear in Sriram Raghavan's upcoming film 'Ikkis', a project that now becomes a posthumous tribute to his enduring energy. For an actor who began in the black-and-white era and continued working into the digital age, his adaptability was remarkable. He evolved without ever losing his authenticity.

A Life Larger Than Cinema

Dharmendra's passing marks the end of an era not just of a superstar, but of a generation that defined Hindi cinema's golden years. His legacy lives on through hundreds of films, countless memories, and the love of millions who grew up watching him.

He was strong yet sensitive, heroic yet human, a balance only Dharmendra could embody. For fans, he will always remain Dharam Paaji, the man who made Indian cinema feel both powerful and personal.