The Indian film industry is in deep mourning today as legendary actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood and "Dharam Paaji" to generations of fans, passed away at his Juhu residence this morning. He was 89 years old, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday on December 8.
Dharmendra had been grappling with age-related health complications, including persistent respiratory distress, for over a month. Admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 after complaints of breathlessness, he was placed on ventilator support by November 10 amid a brief scare. His family, including wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, swiftly debunked rampant death rumors that surfaced on November 11, with Esha posting on social media: "My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy." Hema Malini echoed the sentiment on X, slamming "irresponsible" media outlets: "What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering?"
Discharged on November 12 against medical advice to continue recovery at home under constant supervision from Breach Candy doctors, Dharmendra appeared to be on the mend. However, his condition deteriorated overnight, and he breathed his last surrounded by loved ones, including Hema Malini, sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, and grandchildren. The family confirmed the news to news agency IANS, stating he passed peacefully after a valiant battle.
The announcement triggered an outpouring of grief across Bollywood, politics, and social media. Fans gathered outside his residence, with police barricades erected for crowd control. High-profile visitors during his hospitalization—Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan (with son Aryan), Aamir Khan (with girlfriend Kiran Rao), Govinda, and Jaya Prada—rushed to pay respects today. Salman, who called Dharmendra "like my father," shared a heartfelt note: "Dharam Paaji, your strength inspired us all. Rest in power." Shah Rukh posted a throwback from Sholay: "Jai-Veeru forever. You were the heart of cinema."
Amitabh Bachchan, his Sholay co-star and lifelong friend, arrived at the Pawan Hans Crematorium for the private last rites with son Abhishek, visibly emotional: "He was more than a brother—a force of nature. Bollywood loses its garam dharam today." Aamir Khan and director Rajkumar Santoshi were among the first at the crematorium, where only close family and select industry figures attended. Political leaders like Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, who had prematurely mourned during the rumors, issued formal tributes: "A true son of India, whose valor on screen mirrored his spirit." The All India Cine Workers' Association (AICWA) hailed him as "a legend whose legacy endures," wishing the family strength.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in the modest village of Nasrali, Ludhiana district, Punjab, to Kewal Krishan and Satwant Kaur, he hailed from a Punjabi Jat family. A former tubewell fitter in Sanewal, Dharmendra's love for cinema drew him to Mumbai after winning Filmfare's New Talent Award. He debuted in 1960's Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, but stardom came with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), cementing his romantic hero image.
Over 60+ years and 300+ films, Dharmendra's versatility shone: the swashbuckling Veeru in Sholay (1975)—whose restored 4K version releases December 12—alongside Amitabh Bachchan; the principled idealist in Satyakam (1969); comedic genius in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Chupke Chupke (1975); and action-packed roles in Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Dharam Veer (1977), Jugnu (1973), and Pratiggya (1971). His chemistry with Hema Malini, whom he married in 1980 amid controversy (he converted to Islam but remained Arya Samaji), produced classics like Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and Dream Girl (1977). He once rejected Zanjeer (1973) emotionally, paving the way for Bachchan's Angry Young Man persona, as son Bobby later revealed.
Honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra stayed relevant into his 80s. He charmed as Sunny Deol's father in the Yamla Pagla Deewana series, earned praise for the patriarchal role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023), and played Shahid Kapoor's grandfather in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). His final screen appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis (December 25, 2025), portraying a grandfather opposite Agastya Nanda in a biopic on war hero Arun Khetarpal.
Dharmendra is survived by second wife Hema Malini; first wife Prakash Kaur; sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol (both actors); daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta (from first marriage), Esha, and Ahana (from second); and grandchildren like Karan Deol, Rajveer Deol, and Abhay Deol. The Deols, a three-generation Bollywood dynasty, had planned a grand 90th birthday bash, now overshadowed by tragedy.
As tributes flood in—Shatrughan Sinha calling him a "one-woman man" and poetic soul; Bhagyashree apologizing for her premature condolence during rumors—Dharmendra's humility, warmth, and Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana spirit endure. His last Instagram post, a fan wish with a poem, now tugs at heartstrings: "Stay strong, my dears."
Bollywood's original action-romantic icon leaves an irreplaceable void, but his timeless films and the Deol legacy ensure "Yeh Dosti" lives on. Rest in glory, Dharam Paaji.
