Veteran film star Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most beloved and enduring legends, died on Monday morning at his Mumbai residence after a brief illness. He was 89, passing away just days before his 90th birthday on December 8, 2025. His last rites were conducted at the Pawan Hans crematorium in the presence of family members and with strong police security.
Dharmendra had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 after complaining of breathlessness. He was discharged on November 12, with the family requesting privacy and asking fans to avoid speculation, saying he would continue recovering at home.
The actor, however, remained unwell. According to family members, he breathed his last at his Mumbai home on November 24.
Family Gathers for Final Farewell
Dharmendra’s sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, along with grandsons Karan and Rajveer, oversaw the funeral arrangements. His wife and longtime co-star Hema Malini arrived at the crematorium composed yet visibly grief-stricken. Daughter Esha Deol also attended the final rites.
Dharmendra Death News: His wife and longtime co-star Hema Malini arrived at the crematorium composed yet visibly grief-stricken. Daughter Esha Deol also attended the final rites. (Photo: Hema Malini/Instagram)
The family had already begun preparations for the actor’s 90th birthday celebrations, making his passing even more poignant.
His Final Public Post: A Timeless Picture With Hema Malini
Adding emotional weight to his departure, Dharmendra’s last social media post was a touching black-and-white photograph of himself and Hema Malini — a symbol of the decades-long companionship that made them one of Indian cinema’s most cherished couples.
Shared on March 23, 2025, the image showed the two holding each other, sparking an outpouring of love and admiration from fans.
Dharmendra’s Last Film: Ikkis Releases December 25
Sriram Raghavan’s much-anticipated war drama Ikkis will now mark Dharmendra’s final appearance on screen. The film stars Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, and releases on December 25, 2025.
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Just hours before his death, the makers had unveiled Dharmendra’s character poster, describing him as “an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier.”
He was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, making Ikkis his cinematic farewell.
Known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era. From romance to action to family drama, the actor shaped decades of Hindi cinema and remains one of India’s most treasured film personalities.
