Veteran actor Dharmendra, one of India’s most beloved and enduring film legends, died on Monday at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89. Filmmaker Karan Johar confirmed his demise in an emotional social media post.
The official statement from Dharmendra’s family is still awaited. This news comes just weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8.
Karan’s Instagram post read, “It’s the end of an era. A huge mega star, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema. Incredibly handsome and the most mysterious screen presence. He has always been and will always be a true legend of Indian cinema. Defined and richly present in the pages of cinema history. But most of all he was the best human being. He was deeply loved by everyone in our industry.”
She wrote, “He had only immense love and positivity for everyone. His blessings, his hugs and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can express. There is a huge gap in our industry today. A place that can never be filled by anyone. There will always be the one and only Dharamji. We love you sir. We will miss you so much. Heaven is blessed today. Working with you will always be a blessing to me and my heart says with respect, reverence and love Abhi na jao chhoke ke dil abhi Not full.”
Dharmendra, the ‘He Man’ of Indian cinema, was ill for some time. On November 10, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after his health deteriorated.
Many leading film personalities including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Govinda visited the hospital to extend their support to the Deol family during this difficult time.
Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital two days later as the family opted for treatment at home.
Dr. Prateek Samdani told ANI, “Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital today (November 12) at 7.30 am. His family is taking care of him at his residence. Praying that his treatment, management and recovery continue.”
Dharmendra is survived by his first wife Prakash Kaur, second wife actress Hema Malini, and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol from his first marriage, daughters Vijeta and Ajita, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.
Dharmendra, popularly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema, acted in many iconic films like Sholay, Dharamveer, Chupke-Chupke, Loafer, Jugnu and Sita Aur Geeta.
He was last seen in Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya in 2024. He played the role of Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather in the film.
Before this film, in 2023, she surprised everyone with her brilliant performance in Karan Johar’s directorial venture ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’. He effortlessly rekindled the romantic aura he was always known for.
Remember ‘Aayi Milan Ki Bela’, ‘Anupama’, ‘Aas Paas’, ‘Pyaar Hi Pyar’, ‘Blackmail’, ‘Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka’, ‘Mere Humdum Mere Dost’, ‘Jeevan Mrityu’ and ‘Aap Ki Parchhaayen’? In each of these classics, he embodied the quintessential lover with unmatched grace. Decades later, the same charm continued to woo young audiences through ‘Life in a… Metro’ and more recently, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’.
Her film ‘Ikkis’ with Sriram Raghavan is scheduled to release next month, December. Although he is now gone from this world, he will continue to bring smiles to the faces of his fans through his unforgettable cinematic legacy.
Even at the age of 89, Dharmendra continued to work tirelessly and inspire generations not only with his art but also with his discipline and healthy lifestyle. He was an avid Instagrammer and would often give his fans glimpses of his workout routine.
Dharmendra’s fans were people of all ages. His undying charm has endured across generations, and with his passing, he leaves behind a legacy for fans, colleagues and the entire nation to cherish.