Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, often called the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, has reportedly died at age 89, sending shockwaves across the film industry. Several outlets claim the actor passed away in his home in Mumbai after a period of illness. However, the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed by his family or doctors.

A Storied Life and Sudden Ending

Dharmendra, born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, rose to superstardom in the 1960s with films like Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Over a six-decade career, he starred in over 300 films — from action and romance to drama — and earned a reputation for his charisma, work ethic, and rugged good looks.

Live Updates & Final Days

 

Hospitalization & Health Crisis

• On October 31, 2025, Dharmendra was hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after reporting breathing difficulties.

• Reports indicate that he was placed on ventilator support by November 10, signaling a serious medical condition.

• On November 12, family and doctors decided to continue his care at home. He was discharged from the hospital, under observation and medical supervision.

• His daughter, Esha Deol, later issued a statement confirming he was “stable and recovering” and appealed for privacy, urging media not to spread unverified reports.

 

Breaking: Death Announcement & Industry Reactions

• On November 24, 2025, multiple media outlets, citing news agency IANS, reported Dharmendra’s death at his Mumbai residence.

• Karan Johar, filmmaker and friend, called it “an end of an era,” paying tribute to Dharmendra’s lasting impact on Hindi cinema.

• The funeral is said to take place at Pawan Hans crematorium, Vile Parle, with dozens of Bollywood’s biggest names expected to attend.

• Reports also note that Dharmendra’s son, Salman Khan, arrived at the crematorium to pay his respects. (According to some live-update reports.)

 

Legacy of a Bollywood Legend

Dharmendra’s legacy is nothing short of monumental. His iconic performances in Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baarat, Phool Aur Patthar, and Chupke Chupke helped define generations of Hindi film.

• He was married to Prakash Kaur and later to actress Hema Malini, with whom he had children including Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.

• His final film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, was scheduled to release on December 25, 2025 — a bittersweet farewell to his screen legacy.

 

Cause of Death: What We Know — and What We Don’t

• Reported cause: Dharmendra had been battling respiratory issues prior to his death.

• There has been no public confirmation of the specific medical reason for his death, leaving room for speculation and caution.

• Family statements and media reports stress that his health had deteriorated, but they have not released a detailed medical report.

 

Remembering Dharmendra: The Impact & Mourning

The news of Dharmendra’s death comes amid a wave of tributes:

• Fans across India expressed grief for the loss of a screen idol whose persona mixed strength, vulnerability, and integrity.

• Bollywood veterans, young stars, and filmmakers called his passing “a gaping void in the film world.”

• Many remember him not just for his films, but for his off-screen generosity, his love for farming, and his connection to his roots.

 

Final Word

Dharmendra’s life — from a village in Punjab to the heights of Bollywood stardom — was a story of relentless ambition and genuine humanity. As the world mourns, his legacy won’t be measured only by box-office records, but by the lives he touched, the films he made timeless, and an era of cinema he helped define.

May he rest in peace.

FAQs

Q: How did Dharmendra die?
A: Reports suggest he struggled with respiratory issues before passing away, but no official cause of death has been confirmed.

Q: When did Dharmendra pass away?
A: Multiple agencies report his death on November 24, 2025, at his Mumbai home.

Q: Where will Dharmendra’s last rites be held?
A: Funeral arrangements are said to take place at Pawan Hans Crematorium, Vile Parle, Mumbai.

Q: Who in Bollywood has reacted to his death?
A: Filmmaker Karan Johar called it “an end of an era,” and many other celebs and fans are paying tribute.

Q: What was Dharmendra’s final film?
A: His last film is Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, scheduled to release December 25, 2025.