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Dharmendra — a life remembered

November 28, 2025

The passing of a legend —  Dharmendra (1935–2025)

By Irum Saleem

On 24 November 2025, the world of cinema lost one of its most enduring icons. Veteran actor Dharmendra — affectionately known as Bollywood’s “He-Man” — passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai, following a prolonged illness.

With a career spanning more than six decades and over 300 films to his credit, Dharmendra’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.

Born into a humble family in rural Punjab, Dharmendra rose to superstardom through sheer talent, charm, and an unmatched screen presence.

From raw action heroics to romantic leads and comedic flair — his versatility made him beloved across generations. Some of his most celebrated performances came in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh.

Even in his late 80s, Dharmendra remained connected with his audience — his final film, the war-drama Ikkis, was scheduled for a December 2025 release.

The film fraternity and fans alike took to social media to express grief, gratitude, and admiration. Here are some touching tributes from his peers:

> “Another valiant Giant has left us — leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound.”

“Dharam ji — the epitome of greatness … not only for his renowned physical presence, but for the largeness of his heart and its most endearing simplicity.”

— Amitabh Bachchan on his personal blog.

> “Dharam ji was hard to capture in one sentence… Hero, Father, the OG Punjabi, a man who was as keenly emotional as he was mischievous, larger than life but also relatable.”

— Anil Kapoor on Instagram, mourning the loss of “the OG Punjabi” of Indian cinema.

> “Some people don’t just work in your life… they live in your heart. Dharam ji was one of them. It’s a void that can’t be described.”

— Sanjay Dutt on X, calling Dharmendra’s departure a loss beyond words.

> “When I didn’t know him I loved him — and when I met him I loved him even more. Words fail me as I feel sadness creep into my heart. I will miss you beyond words, Dharam Ji.”

— Preity Zinta, remembering Dharmendra as “all heart,” a superstar who was generous, kind and deeply human.

Beyond these, countless colleagues, friends, and fans — from A-list actors to ordinary movie-lovers — poured out condolences, sharing memories of laughter, inspiration and admiration.

 Dharmendra’s career spanned from the black-and-white era of the 1960s to modern-day digital cinema — a journey that few actors can claim.

Versatility & authenticity  — whether as the rugged action hero, the romantic lead, or the comic relief, he brought authenticity and heart to every role.

A man of humility — despite stardom, he remained connected to his roots — his simplicity, generosity, and warmth earned him respect across generations.

Inspiration for many — for countless actors and fans, he was the benchmark of a “complete hero” — dynamic yet grounded, powerful yet humble.

As one filmmaker aptly said, with his departure, “some dreams remain unfulfilled.”

But the magic of his films — and the memory of the man himself — will continue to live on in hearts across the world.

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