Veteran actor Dharmendra, revered as Hindi cinema’s original ‘He-Man’, was laid to rest on Monday at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai. The 89-year-old icon passed away earlier in the day at his residence after a prolonged period of ill health. His final rites drew some of the biggest names in the industry, reflecting the immense love and respect he commanded across generations.
Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month due to respiratory complications and was discharged on November 12. Although he had been unwell for some time, news of his passing has left the film industry and fans across the country in deep grief.
Bollywood gathers to bid farewell
A sombre procession of film personalities arrived at the crematorium from early afternoon. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Esha Deol and the extended Deol family were present to perform and witness the final rites.
Actors Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Boman Irani, Kajol, Bhumi Pednekar, Kapil Sharma and many others also reached the venue to pay their last respects. Several were visibly moved, with many recalling their cherished memories of working with the star.
Designer Manish Malhotra, filmmaker Karan Johar, actors Farhan Akhtar, Isha Koppikar and Ali Fazal shared heartfelt tributes on social media, describing Dharmendra as a “giant of Indian cinema”, “a true original”, and “the hero everybody wanted to be.”
Tributes pour in from across India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling Dharmendra’s passing “the end of an era in Indian cinema.” He praised the actor’s simplicity, humility and warmth, qualities that endeared him to millions.
Sharmila Tagore, who shared a decades-long bond with the actor, remembered him as a generous and protective friend. Actor Manoj Bajpayee said Dharmendra was one of his “childhood heroes,” while Ravi Kishan described the loss as “an irreparable blow to Indian cinema.”
Kareena Kapoor shared a vintage photograph of Dharmendra with Raj Kapoor, captioned “Forever in Power.” Kapil Sharma wrote an emotional note saying it felt as though he had “lost his father for the second time.”
A final cinematic memory through ‘Ikkis’
In an emotional coincidence, the first poster of Dharmendra’s upcoming film Ikkis was released earlier in the day. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda as war hero Arun Khetarpal, the film is scheduled for a December theatrical release and now stands as one of Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearances.
The makers shared an evocative first look of Dharmendra as Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal, adding further poignancy to the day’s events.
A legacy that shaped Indian cinema
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Ludhiana, he made his debut in 1960 and went on to become one of the most beloved actors in Indian cinema. His unmatched filmography includes Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baarat, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Pratiggya, Jugnu, Charas and several more. From intense drama to flawless comedy, he mastered every genre with effortless charm.
He leaves behind wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Ajeeta and Vijeta.
Conclusion
Dharmendra’s passing marks a monumental loss for Indian cinema. As the industry gathered to honour him one last time, the outpouring of love reflected the depth of his impact as an artist and as a human being. His films, spirit and kindness will continue to shape the cultural memory of generations to come.