MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars, passed away on Monday at the age of 89, leaving the film fraternity and millions of fans grieving the end of a remarkable era. The actor, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, had recently been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after a brief period of ill health. He was recovering at home when his condition suddenly deteriorated. His last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium, where a sea of colleagues, admirers and political leaders arrived to pay their final respects.
Tributes pour in from across the film industry
Soon after the news of Dharmendra’s passing became public, social media flooded with emotional messages from actors, filmmakers and public figures. Mahesh Babu expressed his grief, stating that cinema had “lost one of its strongest voices.” Politician Shashi Tharoor penned a heartfelt obituary, recalling that his mother’s favourite character was Dharmendra’s unforgettable Veeru from Sholay.
Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, visited Dharmendra’s residence after the last rites, while veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha described the loss as “irreparable and irreplaceable,” calling Dharmendra “the pride of Punjab and Maharashtra.”
Juhi Chawla remembered watching Sholay repeatedly as a child and called him a “born superstar,” while cricketer Virat Kohli said the legend had captivated generations with his charm and talent.
Bollywood stars gather to bid farewell
A large number of Bollywood personalities gathered at Pawan Hans Crematorium to bid farewell to the beloved actor. Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra’s iconic Sholay co-star, arrived with his son Abhishek Bachchan. Their pairing as Jai and Veeru remains one of the most memorable friendships in Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Govinda, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor and many others were seen paying their last respects.
Hema Malini and Esha Deol were spotted in a deeply emotional state as they left the crematorium amid massive media presence.
An outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans
Zeenat Aman, one of Dharmendra’s frequent co-stars, shared a touching tribute recalling his “down to earth demeanour” and kindness on set. Sonu Sood recounted how the late actor inspired him to pursue acting, while fans outside his home broke down in tears, disappointed that they couldn’t get a final glimpse of their favourite star.
Kapil Sharma wrote that he felt as though he had “lost his father for the second time,” while Akshay Kumar remembered Dharmendra as the hero “every boy wanted to be.”
Condolences from political leaders and public figures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Dharmendra’s death “the end of an era,” praising him for his simplicity, humility and warmth. Pawan Kalyan, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, Ravi Teja and Chiranjeevi also shared their condolences, highlighting how Dharmendra’s contributions touched generations across India.
Dharmendra’s remarkable legacy
Dharmendra’s illustrious career spanned more than six decades, during which he starred in classics like Phool Aur Patthar, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Pratiggya, Charas, Seeta Aur Geeta, Dost, Dharam Veer and the cult masterpiece Sholay.
He remained relevant to younger audiences as well, impressing fans with his performances in recent films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). His final film, Ikkis, in which he plays M. L. Khetarpal, is set to release posthumously in December 2025.
A personal life filled with love and strength
Dharmendra is survived by his first wife Prakash Kaur, second wife Hema Malini, and six children—Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, Ajeita, Esha and Ahana.
His admirers often recall his warmth, humility and the deep affection he extended to those around him. Many colleagues remembered the actor’s signature hugs, gentle humour and remarkable ability to make others feel valued.
Conclusion
Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of a monumental chapter in Indian cinema. His towering screen presence, extraordinary range as an actor and genuine, grounded personality made him a legend unlike any other. Even as the curtains fall on his life, his films, values and warmth will continue to live in the hearts of millions.