Veteran actor Dharmendra passes away LIVE updates: Tributes pour in

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, calling him one of Indian cinema’s most enduring icons, whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.

“Saddened to hear about the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra ji. A true legend of Indian cinema, his contribution to the film industry will always be remembered with deep respect,” Mr. Khandu said in a post on X.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and countless admirers across the globe. Om Shanti,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also mourned the demise of Dharmendra.

“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Shri Dharmendra ji, one of the most iconic and beloved actors of Indian cinema. His contribution to the film industry and his unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on generations of movie lovers. There is so much to learn from his humility, dedication, and passion for his craft,” Mr. Mein said.

-PTI

The state-run Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) on Monday has cancelled all the on-stage programmes of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for a day following the demise of Bollywood legend Dharmendra.

In a statement, the ESG said the screening of the films will continue as a part of the festival, but on-stage events are cancelled for a day.

“In light of the sad demise of legendary actor Shri Dharmendra, all entertainment programmes scheduled for today stand cancelled,” Sharmad Pai Raiturcar, the Governing Body member of the ESG, told PTI.

“However, all festival film screenings across all venues will continue as per the schedule,” he added.

PTI

Dharmendra was just different, a man who stayed connected to his roots and never let stardom change his attitude towards people till the very end, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore said on Monday, remembering her co-star of classics such as “Satyakam” and “Chupke Chupke”.

“I did not find any change in him till the end. As an actor, of course, he was wonderful to act with. In his attitude towards the crowd or people on the set, he was the same affable, cooperative person. He would meet with people, whether rich or poor, with equal warmth. I have seen him hugging a man on the streets without any hesitation.”

“He was just different. He never forgot his roots and he would talk about it openly. He was, as they say, a man of the earth and he remained very close to his real self… I didn’t see any change in him with stardom and popularity,” she told PTI.

Dharmendra and Ms. Tagore worked on a number of movies in Hindi cinema but their pairing in filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films stand out even today.

PTI

Political leaders in Punjab on Monday condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, saying his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Dharmendra, whose six-decade career in showbiz spanned around 300 films from “Satyakam” to “Sholay”, died at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the actor, who hailed from a small village in the state, earned a distinguished place in Indian cinema. He prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa described Dharmendra as a “proud son of Punjab”.

“Heartbroken at the passing of Dharmendra ji, a proud son of Punjab from Sahnewal, the original He-Man of Indian cinema. From the soil of Sahnewal to the heights of stardom, his life was a remarkable journey of resilience, grace and unmatched charm,” Mr. Bajwa said in a post on X.

PTI

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday condoled the demise of veteran actor Dharmendra and said his contribution to Indian cinema is incomparable.

“The news of the passing of popular film actor Shri Dharmendra ji is deeply saddening. His contribution to Indian cinema is unforgettable and incomparable. He carved a special place in the hearts of millions with his powerful acting, easygoing personality, and simplicity,” Mr. Saini said in a post in Hindi on X.

Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the news of the passing of Dharmendra, a legendary actor of Indian cinema, is deeply saddening.

“The place he made in the millions of hearts with his simplicity, liveliness, and remarkable acting skills will remain immortal. This is an irreparable loss for the Indian film industry and the end of an era,” Mr. Hooda said.

PTI

Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar were like brothers who loved playing badminton and were foodies at heart, veteran actor Saira Banu said on Monday remembering her co-star of “Aadmi Aur Insaan” co-star.

In their lifetime, Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar starred together on two occasions — first in Dharmendra’s only Bengali film “Paari” (1966) and then in its 1972 remake “Anokha Milan”. In both films, Dilip Kumar had cameo appearances.

Dharmendra often cited Dilip Kumar’s 1948 film “Shaheed” for inspiring him to become an actor. And when he joined movies, he became friends with the matinee star, who died in 2021 at the age of 98.

Ms. Banu said they both considered Dharmendra as their family.

“It’s the saddest day because he is family. I’m shocked. I thought we will celebrate his birthday,” Ms. Banu told PTI.

PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Indian cinema had lost an immortal icon with the passing away of veteran actor Dharmendra.

Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena also paid tributes to the actor, the actor’s death marks the end of a golden era in Indian cinema.

“The news of the passing of renowned actor and former Member of Parliament, Shri Dharmendra Ji, is deeply saddening. Today, Indian cinema has lost an immortal icon, a simple personality, and an artist beloved by generations,” Ms. Gupta said in a post on X in Hindi.

His contribution was not limited to acting only, he gave life to the emotions, struggles and sentiments of Indian society on screen, she said.

PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that Dharmendra’s passing is the loss of a shining star from the golden era of cinema.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Dharmendra has left an indelible mark on the film industry through his versatile roles, giving a new perspective to the traditional image of a Bollywood hero.

Mr. Fadnavis stated that from a dreamy, young, spirited hero, Dharmendra played a range of roles that later earned him the sobriquet of the “He-Man” of Bollywood.

His journey in the Indian film industry was very special as he witnessed the transformation of cinema from the black-and-white era to modern filmmaking, Mr. Fadnavis said in a statement.

PTI

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday expressed grief over the death of legendary actor Dharmendra.

“The news of the passing of Shri Dharmendra Ji, a legendary actor of Indian cinema, is deeply saddening. My humble tributes to him,” Mr. Yadav said in a post on X.

“His unique contribution to the enrichment of the world of cinema and his acting will always be unforgettable. I pray to God to grant peace to his departed soul and strength to his bereaved family and fans to bear this loss,” Mr. Yadav added.

PTI

A “bonafide legend” of Indian cinema, “an inspiration for generations” and the “original He-Man” is how celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Allu Arjun and Karan Johar, remembered Dharmendra who breathed his last on Monday.

Akshay shared a photo of the late cinema star, saying Dharmendra will continue to live on through his movies.

“Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be… our industry’s original He-Man, thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live through your movies and the love you spread. Om shanti,” he wrote on X.

Ajay remembered Dharmendra for his “warmth, generosity and presence”.

“The industry has lost a legend… and we’ve lost someone who has shaped the very soul of our cinema. Rest in peace Dharam ji, Om Shanti,” he added.

Karan, who directed Dharmendra in his 2023 directorial “Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”, posted a long note on Instagram.

“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,” the director wrote.

PTI

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, and said he left an indelible mark on hearts across generations.

“The news of the passing away of great Indian cinema actor Dharmendra ji is extremely heartbreaking. With his simple, natural and impactful acting, Dharmendra ji left an indelible mark on hearts across generations,” Mr. Soren said in a post on X.

“Dharmendra ji’s departure is an irreparable loss for the film world. I pray to ‘Marang Buru’ [supreme tribal deity] for the peace of the departed soul and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, his fans, and well wishers,” he added.

PTI

BJP president J.P. Nadda on Monday condoled the demise of Dharmendra, saying it is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema and the art world.

In a post on X, Mr. Nadda said, “The demise of the renowned film actor Dharmendra ji is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema and the art world.” 

The BJP chief emphasised that Dharmendra left an indelible mark on the hearts of cinema lovers through his impactful acting, adding that with his simplicity and vibrant performances, the late star ruled the hearts of art lovers in the country and the world for decades.

Paying rich tributes to Dharmendra, BJP national media co-incharge Sanjay Mayukh told reporters at the party headquarters here, “We express our deepest condolences.” BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Dharmendra was one of the evergreen leaders of Indian cinema.

PTI

“Dharmendra ji was more than an icon. He carried a warmth that touched generations and a grace that defined an entire era of Indian cinema. His films, his spirit and his performances will continue to live on in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace,” Telugu actor Venkatesh Daggubati said in a post on X.

Music composer A.R. Rahman condoled the demise of Dharmendra. 

“A timeless icon whose grace, humility, and strength of spirit lit the screen and touched generations. His art will live on, and his kindness will be remembered,” Rahman said in a post on X.

Top political leaders in Uttar Pradesh condoled the death of Dharmendra, paying tributes to the veteran actor for his contribution to cinema, and for being an affable and grounded film star.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav mourned the passing of Dharmendra, who breathed his last at his Mumbai residence on Monday. He was 89.

“The passing away of the popular film actor Dharmendra ji is extremely tragic and an irreparable loss to the world of art and cinema. Humble tribute to him!” Mr. Adityanath posted on X in Hindi.

Describing Dharmendra as among the “well-known luminaries” of the Indian film industry, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati said it was “extremely heartbreaking” to hear about his demise.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav praised his effortless acting and his grounded personality.

PTI

Dharmendra leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that enriched Indian cinema, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby said as he expressed his condolences at the demise of the veteran actor.

“Bollywood legend Dharmendra leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that enriched Indian cinema and gave us some of the most memorable moments on screen,” Mr. Baby said in a post on X.

“Across more than six decades, his remarkable performances, unmatched versatility and effortless charm captivated generations of film lovers and left an indelible imprint on our cultural landscape. Heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and countless admirers,” he said.

PTI

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday said the death of veteran actor Dharmendra brought an end to a cherished chapter of Indian cinema.

Mr. Tamang said Dharmendra infused every character he played with sincerity, strength, and an unmistakable charm.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dharmendra Ji, a timeless icon whose departure gently closes a cherished chapter in Indian cinema,” he said.

“As we mourn this great loss, my thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and the innumerable admirers who treasured his work. Om Shanti,” he added.

PTI

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday condoled the demise of veteran actor Dharmendra, calling it an “irreparable loss” to the film industry.

Dharmendra, 89, breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai on Monday.

Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the passing of Dharmendra and conveyed his condolences to the actor’s family members.

“The Chief Minister stated that the demise of Dharmendra ji, a legendary and iconic figure of Indian cinema, is deeply saddening. He noted that the loss of such a versatile and distinguished actor is an irreparable loss to the film industry,” the Telangana CMO said in a post on ‘X’.

Dango and Sahnewal, two nondescript villages in Punjab’s Ludhiana district situated more than 30 kilometres apart, have one thing in common — Bollywood’s He-Man Dharmendra. And now they are united in grief over the passing of the showbiz legend.

The star with a 65-year career spanning 300 films died in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89.

As the news of the legend’s death flashed across news channels, Dango and Sahnewal got into deep mourning.

Born in Dango village in 1935, Dharam Singh Deol and his family shifted to Sahnewal and settled there after his father, Kewal Kishen Singh Deol, a schoolteacher, was transferred there. While Sahnewal is mostly identified with Dharmendra, people of Dango also have fond memories of the late actor.

According to Dharmendra’s friend Parminder Singh, the actor would meet people here like an ordinary villager, shedding the aura common for a Bollywood megastar. “He made us feel that he was like any one of us,” said Dharmendra’s friend, who is now in his eighties.

PTI

“The passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the heart of every citizen of the country for six decades with his brilliant acting, is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, condoling the demise of actor Dharmendra today. 

“He was one of those few actors who brought every character he touched to life, and through his art, he won the hearts of millions of viewers across all age groups,” Mr. Shah said in a post on X. 

“Dharmendra ji will forever remain with us through his acting. May God give his family and fans the strength to bear this grief. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday expressed grief over the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, remembering him as one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons.

“Deeply grieved by the demise of veteran actor Shri Dharmendra – one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

“His unforgettable performances, humane screen presence and decades of contribution to film culture have left an indelible mark on generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace and his legacy continue to inspire,” he posted on ‘X’.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed grief over Dharmendra’s demise, saying the veteran actor’s cinematic journey reflected hard work, dedication and selfless love towards the craft.

His passing away marks the end of a significant era in Indian cinema, Mr. Pawar said expressing his condolences.

“Dharmendra’s journey in cinema exemplified hard work, dedication and selfless love towards the craft,” Mr. Pawar said, adding that the actor brought immense joy to several generations of viewers through his performances.

He was widely admired for his natural acting style, simplicity and emotional depth. His performances in films such as “Sholay”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Anupama”, “Satyakam” and “Dillagi” continue to resonate with audiences, the deputy CM noted.

The actor’s portrayal of ‘Veeru’ in the iconic film “Sholay” remains unforgettable and has an enduring place in the memories of film enthusiasts, he said.

Dharmendra’s demise is a major loss to the Hindi film industry, Mr. Pawar said, and offered prayers for strength to his family members and fans to bear the grief. — PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Indian cinema had lost an immortal icon with the passing away of veteran actor Dharmendra.

“The news of the passing of renowned actor and former Member of Parliament, Shri Dharmendra Ji, is deeply saddening. Today, Indian cinema has lost an immortal icon, a simple personality, and an artist beloved by generations,” Ms. Gupta said in a post on X in Hindi.

His contribution was not limited to acting only, he gave life to the emotions, struggles and sentiments of Indian society on screen, she said.

“May God give peace to the departed soul and give strength to his family and fans to bear this grief. Om Shanti,” she added in the post. — PTI

Paying rich tributes to Dharmendra, BJP national media co-incharge Sanjay Mayukh told reporters at the party headquarters, “We express our deepest condolences.” BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Dharmendra was one of the evergreen leaders of Indian cinema.

“For nearly three generations, he gave a vibrant presentation of the Indian environment and pure Indian thought to Indian cinema and succeeded in creating a special place in our memory for the past three generations,” he told reporters at the BJP headquarters. 

“We, on behalf of the party, pay tributes to Dharmendra ji, a former BJP MP, by remembering his unprecedented and memorable contribution in the world of Indian art cinema,” Mr. Trivedi added.– PTI

In a post on X, BJP president and Union Minister J.P. Nadda said, “The demise of the renowned film actor Dharmendra ji is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema and the art world.” Mr. Nadda emphasised that Dharmendra left an indelible mark on the hearts of cinema lovers through his impactful acting, adding that with his simplicity and vibrant performances, the late star ruled the hearts of art lovers in the country and the world for decades.

“In this difficult time, my deepest condolences are with the grieving family and his fans. I pray to God that the departed soul finds a place at His divine feet and grants strength to the bereaved family to bear this sorrow,” Mr. Nadda said. — PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of veteran Hindi film star Dharmendra, and said his contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations.

Ms. Banerjee said she was “deeply saddened” by the demise of the “legendary actor-hero”, adding that his immense contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations.

She extended her “heartfelt condolences” to the actor’s family, the film fraternity, and his countless fans and followers. Ms. Banerjee also said that Hema Malini, along with the actor’s sons and daughters, would now carry forward his rich legacy.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary actor-hero Dharmendra ji today in Mumbai. His immense contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fraternity, fans and followers. Hema Malini ji, his sons and daughters will carry his rich legacy now,” Ms. Banerjee wrote on X.

“May his soul rest in peace,” she added. — PTI

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, and said his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artistes and cinema lovers. Dharmendra died in Mumbai on Monday, police confirmed. He was 89. 

“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of legendary actor Shri Dharmendra ji. He captivated audiences for decades with his versatile performances and charismatic presence. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artistes and cinema lovers. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May his noble soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Majhi said in a post on X.

Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo said his death marks the end of an era.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra ji, fondly remembered as Bollywood’s He-Man and Dharam Paaji. A towering figure of Indian cinema, his unmatched legacy spanning over six decades defined the golden age of mainstream cinema,” he said.

“He will forever remain a bonafide legend whose magic continues to live on in the pages of cinema history and in the hearts of millions. Rest in peace, Dharmendra ji. Your artistry and spirit will remain immortal,” the deputy CM added. — PTI

Actor and Andhra Pradesh deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan said he was deeply saddened to know about the demise of Dharmendra. 

In a press statement, Mr. Kalyan said Dharmendra was the Hindi film industry’s first – generation action hero who captivated the audience with his acting prowess. 

For this reason, Dharmendra’s fans affectionately called him the ‘Action King’ and ‘He-Man.’ 

Dharmendra displayed his acting style in blockbuster movies like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer, Seeta Aur Geeta and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. 

Besides being an excellent actor, Dharmendra had served the public as a Member of Parliament for five years starting in 2004, Mr. Kalyan said, extending condolences to Hema Malini, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.– THB

Farhan sent his condolences to the Deol family and said Dharmendra will “forever remain irreplaceable”.

“A big, big loss to the entire film world… Thank you for six decades of entertainment. We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen,” he said. Suniel Shetty posted, “Strength wrapped in grace. Stardom wrapped in warmth. Heroism wrapped in a pure heart. Thats the legacy of Dharam Paaji. To the world he was the He-Man. To those who knew him, he was pure warmth.” Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, enjoyed a remarkable six-decade career, featuring in over 300 films and headlining classics such as “Sholay”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Satyakam, “Anupama”, “Seeta Aur Geeta” and many others. He was widely celebrated for his versatility across action, romance and comedy. — PTI

Akshay shared a photo of the late cinema star, saying Dharmendra will continue to live on through his movies.

“Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be… our industry’s original He-Man, thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live through your movies and the love you spread. Om shanti,” he wrote on X. — PTI

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said “The news of the passing of the legendary actor Dharmendra ji is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to the Indian art world. His unparalleled contribution to cinema, spanning nearly seven decades, will always be remembered with respect and affection.”

“I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra ji. My condolences to his bereaved family, friends, and fans in this hour of grief.”

Union Home Minsiter Amit Shah in his X post said “The passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the hearts of every citizen of the country with his brilliant acting for six decades, is an irreparable loss to the Indian cinema world. Coming from a humble background, he made an indelible mark in the film industry.”

“Dharmendra ji was one of those select actors who brought every character he touched to life, and through this art, he won the hearts of millions of viewers across all age groups. He will always be with us through his acting.

“May God grant the departed soul a place in His feet and give strength to his family and admirers to bear this loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mourned the passing away of veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, terming it an irreparable loss to art and cinema.

Dharmendra, 89, breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai.

“The passing away of the popular film actor Dharmendra Ji is extremely tragic and an irreparable loss to the world of art and cinema. Humble tribute to him!” Mr. Adityanath posted on X in Hindi.

“I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed soul attains eternal peace and grants strength to the grieving family and his fans to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!” the Chief Minister added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday condoled the passing away of Bollywood actor Dharmendra, saying the Indian film industry has lost a precious star who ruled over the hearts of cinema lovers for decades.

Dharmendra, the star who wrote himself into showbiz legend in a 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from “Satyakam’ to “Sholay”, died in Mumbai, police said. He was 89.

“The Indian film world has lost a precious star today. The renowned actor Dharmendra is no longer with us. Honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra reigned over the hearts of cinema lovers for decades and left a deep impression with his unparalleled acting and simple life,” Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X.

He said his passing away marks the end of an era.

“In this hour of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and millions of fans. May God grant peace to his soul,” the Congress president said. — PTI

Bollywood’s He-Man is gone..!

Bollywood’s evergreen actor Dharmendra passed away today. In his sixty-year career, he entertained countless fans like me with pure joy through his acting.

From countless films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Dream Girl, The Burning Train, Mera Naam Joker, Apne, Life in a Metro, and others, he left an indelible mark of his performance on the hearts of audiences. Dharmendra gave a new dimension to the image of the Bollywood hero..

This actor, who ruled the big screen, also tried his luck in the political arena. 

In 2004, contesting the Lok Sabha general election from the BJP, he was elected from Bikaner in Rajasthan. Over the past few years, he conducted many agricultural experiments at his farmhouse in Lonavala. The videos he posted on social media in his unique style always became a topic of discussion. Sometimes through these videos, sometimes through shayari, his well-being was known to the fans.

Staying healthy, enthusiastic, and joyful, and sharing that joy with everyone, was a special trait of his personality. This Jat, Yamla.. Pagla.. Deewana.., who always gave joy through his work, has now embarked on an eternal journey, leaving every fan heartbroken. From me and my entire Shiv Sena family, heartfelt tribute to the senior actor Dharmendra..!

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.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the age of 89, leaves behind one of the most prolific legacies in Hindi cinema. With over 300 films to his name, the actor defined the leading man across eras — from the black-and-white romances of the ’60s to the technicolour blockbusters of the ’70s and ’80s. Known to fans as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” he managed to balance mass appeal with genuine versatility, moving easily between action dramas, comedies and social films. Few actors matched his longevity or the breadth of his stardom. The seven films below capture the range and resonance of that legacy.

Veteran actor Dharmendra Deol, who made his debut in the Indian cinema in the 1960s and played prominent roles in stories representing common people in films, and who won the hearts of the Indian audience and created his own identity in the world of cinema, finally lost his battle with death. Today’s youth may not know it, but a generation was a fan of his charm, his hairstyle, and his costumes. The ‘Veeru’ he played in ‘Sholay’ still dominates the hearts of Indian fans as a symbol of close friendship and a tough hero.

Many times, his hilarious scenes on the water tank in ‘Sholay’ are still adopted as a movement by enthusiastic activists in our political field. The roles played by Dharmendra in about 250 famous works like ‘Dharam Veer’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Satyakam’, ‘Anupama’, ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’ and ‘Dream Girl’ will always be remembered. We pay heartfelt tribute to the ‘Dharam Paji’ of the cinema industry and express our condolences to the Deol family.

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai on Monday (November 24, 2025), sources confirmed to The Hindu. 

The 89-year-old actor had been in and out of south Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital for several days earlier this month. He was later discharged and was continuing his recovery at home.