Hindi cinema’s most beloved ‘He-Man’, veteran actor Dharmendra passed away today (24th November 2025) in Mumbai at 89 after a brief illness. With a career spanning six decades and over 300 films to his credit, the legendary star is no less than an institution in himself with performances and roles that carved him permanently into the cinematic landscape.
Celebrated for his good looks, charm and versatility that were showcased in the several blockbusters and dozens of cinema gems from Sholay to Chupke Chupke, Bandini amongst several others, the actor leaves behind a cinematic legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. His final film, Ikkis, is slated for release next year in 2026.
The superstar’s story is not merely that of an actor who found fame, but of a man who became the heartbeat of an entire generation of film lovers. His journey, stretching from the early 1960s into the new millennium, remains one of Bollywood’s most remarkable narratives: the transformation of a shy young man from Punjab into one of the most loved and prolific actors the industry has ever known.
From his earliest roles in the 1960s, Dharmendra radiated an authenticity that set him apart. Whether playing a sensitive poet, a wronged lover, or a man fighting against the world, he carried an emotional resonance that felt deeply real and the sincerity in his performances made audiences instantly embrace him. While he made his presence felt in classics like Bandini, Anpadh, and Devar, it was his golden run through the 70s and 80s — that immortalized Dharmendra as Bollywood’s iconic He-Man. His screen pairings with Hema Malini, to Asha Parekh and Meena Kumari were magical.
Combining his dashing good looks, macho image alongwith being a romantic hero, with unmatched screen charisma and an innate warmth made him popular across all generations. Packing in a punch with his action and rugged stance, he could deliver comedy just as beautifully as he could be the gentle lover winning over with his romantic screen outings with just as much conviction. His ability to traverse action, romance, comedy, and drama remains unparalleled. And it was his deep connection with the audience where he wasn’t merely watched, but adored! Beyond the screen, he wasn’t just a star, but an emotion — a dependable, big-hearted hero audiences felt they knew and related to personally. Generations grew up admiring his courage on screen and his humility off it. He passed on the same warmth and humility to his superstar sons Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and daughter Esha Deol who continue to take forward his legacy.
Dharmendraji’s legacy is a tapestry woven with iconic moments, unforgettable dialogues, and a persona that continues to inspire. As Hindi cinema continues to evolve, his legacy shines brighter than ever. His filmography is not merely a list of movies, but a chronicle of an era he helped define. Celebrating the actor is celebrating the golden soul of Bollywood — timeless, warm, larger than life, and forever cherished.