In Pictures: Iconic moments from Dharmendra's life

Dharmendra, one of the biggest stars of the Indian film industry, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Having played some of the most lovable characters in Hindi cinema, Dharmendra enjoyed the reputation of a bankable actor in Bollywood. Here are some of the rare pictures from his impeccable career and some memorable moments from his off-screen journey.

Dharmendra ruled Hindi cinema in the 1960s-1980s period. In this picture, the actor is seen with Saira Banu in ‘Pocket Maar’. The story goes that the 1974 movie was in the making for 4 years. The Hindu ARCHIVES

A young Dharmendra in the early 1960s. Considered an up and coming star, the actor’s first few prominent releases were ‘Anpadh’ and ‘Bandini’. The Hindu ARCHIVES

Dharmendra and Hema Malini were a hit pair in their prime. The Hindu ARCHIVES

The stylish actor in the spy thriller ‘Kheemat’ (1973). The film’s success reinstated Dharmendra’s reputation as a bankable star. The Hindu ARCHIVES

A still from ‘Chupke Chupke’. The 1975 romantic comedy had an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Om Prakash and Jaya Bachchan. The Hindu ARCHIVES

A still from ‘Aas Paas’ (1981). Legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi’s recorded song came in this movie. The Hindu ARCHIVES

With Shatrughan Sinha in Vijay Anand’s underrated ‘Blackmail’ (1973).

In ‘Jeevan Mrityu’ which marked the debut of Rakhee. Produced by Tarachand Barjatya, the movie was a runaway hit. The Hindu ARCHIVES

Two powerhouse talents in one frame. With Sanjeev Kumar in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s in ‘Satyakam’ (1969). The Hindu ARCHIVES

In the 1962 hit ‘Anpad’, which boasts of the evergreen song ‘Aapki Nazon Ne Samjha’. The Hindu ARCHIVES

With Amitabh Bachchan in the cult-classic ‘Sholay’. The song, ‘Yeh Dosti’, is an evergreen number to celebrate friendship. The Hindu ARCHIVES

Dharmendra in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Guddi’, which marked the Hindi debut of Jaya Bachchan. The Hindu ARCHIVES

A poster of Dharmendra’s ‘Haqeeqat’. The 1964 war drama from Chetan Anand received praise for its action sequences. The Hindu ARCHIVES

Dharmendra with sons Bobby and Sunny Deol (left). The Hindu ARCHIVES

Dharmendra with Javed Akhtar, who has penned many of the hit stories for the superstar, including ‘Sholay’ (1975). THE ARCHIVES

One with the family. Dharmendra with wife Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. The Hindu ARCHIVES

When legends meet. Dharmendra, Yash Chopra, Shatrughan Sinha, and Saira Banu celebrate the birthday of Dileep Kumar. The Hindu ARCHIVES

When the veteran shook a leg with the young stars of Bollywood. A light moment with Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan. The Hindu ARCHIVES

Receives the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Pratibha Patil in 2012. The Hindu ARCHIVES

Dharmendra with Evergreen Star Dev Anand. The two featured in ‘Return of the Jewel Thief’ (1997), a sequel to Anand’s cult-classic ‘Jewel Thief’ (1967). The Hindu ARCHIVES.

Dharmendra with his friend and arch-rival Amitabh Bachchan. The two rose to stardom from the 1960s, marking yet another golden phase of Hindi cinema. The Hindu ARCHIVES

Published – November 24, 2025 02:44 pm IST