Dharmendra, Bollywood’s beloved ‘He-Man,’ passes away at 89

WEB DESK: Bollywood legend Dharmendra, fondly known as the original “He-Man” of Indian cinema, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Renowned for his blend of charisma, strength, and sensitivity, the actor leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades that transformed the landscape of Hindi films.

Born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra grew up in a simple Sikh household. The son of a schoolteacher, he was far removed from the glitz of cinema, until a talent contest in Filmfare magazine in 1958 propelled him into the industry. With little more than determination, he moved to Bombay and slowly made his mark, debuting in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) before gaining critical attention in Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963).

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By the mid-1960s, Dharmendra had established himself as a leading man. Hits like Phool Aur Patthar earned him the “He-Man of Bollywood” title, while films such as Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, and Jugnu showcased his versatility. His role as Veeru in Sholay (1975) remains iconic, with his chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini becoming cinematic legend.

Off-screen, Dharmendra’s life was equally storied. He married Hema Malini in 1980, having previously fathered four children with his first wife, Prakash Kaur. His sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, continue his cinematic legacy, while his daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, also carry forward the family’s artistic tradition.

Known for his humility and warmth, Dharmendra was loved not just for his on-screen heroics but for his kindness, sense of humor, and poetry, which he shared in Hindi and Punjabi. He also briefly ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament in 2004.

Even in his later years, Dharmendra remained active on screen, appearing in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023) and family-oriented films like Yamla Pagla Deewana. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) and the Padma Bhushan (2012).

Tributes poured in from across Bollywood, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a figure who embodied strength, integrity, and humanity. Dharmendra’s legacy endures through his films, family, and the countless hearts he touched, a true emblem of Hindi cinema’s golden era.