Dharmendra: The He-Man Who Lived in Every Indian Heart Passes Away at 89
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I still remember the first time I saw him on our old black-and-white television. I was barely five. The screen flickered, and there he was – tall, smiling, riding a horse like a king. My father pointed and said, “Look, beta, this is Dharmendra. This is what a real hero looks like.” That day, he became my first hero. And today, on November 24, 2025, my heart broke when I heard he is no more.
He was 89. Just twelve days away from turning 90. And just like that, the man who taught me how to dream big, love deeply, and laugh loudly is gone.
Today, a light went out in millions of homes. Dharmendra, the smiling hero who made us laugh, cry and cheer for six long decades, left us on November 24, 2025. The man we called Garam Dharam took his final bow in Mumbai. The news spread like wildfire. Phones buzzed. Hearts broke. An entire country stood still for a moment.
A Simple Village Boy Who Became a Superstar
He was born Dharam Singh Deol in a small Punjab village in 1935. Life was simple. Dreams were big. A talent contest ticket brought him to Mumbai. Soon, the boy with bright eyes and a shy smile became Bollywood’s first true action hero. People loved his tall frame, his deep voice, and that warm laughter that felt like a hug.
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The Golden Days That Still Shine
From the 1960s to the 1980s, Dharmendra ruled the screen. Dharam Ji romanced heroines under the rain in Ayee Milan Ki Bela. He carried Hema Malini on his shoulder in Seeta Aur Geeta. He made us laugh till our stomachs hurt in Chupke Chupke. And who can forget Veeru shouting “Basanti!” from the water tank in Sholay? Every role felt real because Dharmendra never acted – he just lived the character.
He gave us more than 300 films. Some made us dance. Some made us cry. All made us proud.
The Gentle Giant Everyone Loved
Off screen, he was even better. Co-stars say he greeted everyone with open arms. Juniors called him Dharam Paaji with love. Seniors felt protected around him. Even when cameras stopped rolling, his smile never did. He loved farming, poetry, and posting simple videos from his Lonavala farmhouse. That innocence never left him.
The Last Few Weeks
In late October, he felt breathless and went to Breach Candy Hospital. Doctors put him on a ventilator for some days. On November 12, he finally came home. Sunny Deol, Bobby, Hema Malini, and the whole family took care of him. Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir dropped by to check on their Paaji. Everyone hoped he would celebrate his 90th birthday with his famous shayari and laughter.
But destiny had other plans.
A Quiet Goodbye at Pawan Hans
On Monday afternoon, an ambulance left his Juhu home. Soon, family and friends reached Pawan Hans crematorium. Hema Malini folded her hands silently. Esha looked lost. Sunny performed the last rites with tears in his eyes. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh, Salman, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and many more stood shoulder to shoulder. Even veteran writer Salim Khan came to say goodbye.
A Flood of Love from Across India
Leaders spoke from the heart. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it the end of an era. President Droupadi Murmu said his legacy will inspire young artists forever. Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah, Mamata Banerjee, Yogi Adityanath – everyone remembered the simple village boy who touched every Indian heart.
Stars poured their pain on social media. Karan Johar wrote pages of love. Kapil Sharma said it felt like losing his father again. Kajol called him the original good man. Akshay Kumar remembered how every boy wanted to grow up and become Dharmendra. Manoj Bajpayee said losing him felt personal. Sanjay Dutt wrote, “Some people don’t just work in your life… they live in your heart.”
The Last Film and the Last Post
His final movie, Ikkis, will come out on December 25, 2025. He plays a brave soldier’s father opposite Agastya Nanda. On the very day he left us, the makers released his poster and called him a timeless legend.
His last post on X, from March 23, 2025, was a black-and-white photo with Hema Malini. They stood holding each other. No words. Just love. That picture now feels like his quiet goodbye to all of us.
A Family That Will Carry His Light
Dharmendra leaves behind his first wife Prakash Kaur, his dream girl Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby, daughters Vijeta, Ajeita, Esha, and Ahana. They promise to keep his warmth alive.
The He-Man Lives On
The man is gone, but Veeru will still climb that water tank. The lover will still sing in the rain. The angry young man will still fight for justice. Because every time we watch his films, Dharmendra comes back to life.
Rest in peace, Paaji. You were not just a hero on screen. You were the hero of our childhood, our youth, and our hearts. Thank you for the love, for the laughter & for being you.
Om Shanti.
FAQs
- When did Dharmendra pass away?
He passed away on November 24, 2025, in Mumbai. - How old was Dharmendra when he died?
He was 89 years old. His 90th birthday was on December 8, 2025. - What was the cause of death?
Family has not shared the exact cause yet. He had age-related health issues and breathing problems. - Where were his last rites performed?
At Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai. - Which is Dharmendra’s last film?
Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, releasing on December 25, 2025. - Who from the family was present at the crematorium?
Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and other family members were there. Sunny performed the last rites.