Key Takeaways
- Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra has died at age 89 on November 24, 2025, after a period of illness.
- He was hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to respiratory issues before being discharged to recover at home, per family and medical updates.
- Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur first, then to actress Hema Malini — his complicated personal life attracted much attention.
- His sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol paid tribute, with the Deol family mourning a monumental loss.
- His final film is the war drama Ikkis, set to release on December 25, 2025 — making this a posthumous appearance.
What Happened: The Death of Dharmendra
Veteran actor Dharmendra, widely known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” passed away on November 24, 2025, in his Mumbai home at the age of 89. His death marks the end of a towering legacy in Indian cinema, after a brief but serious health battle.
In the weeks prior, Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital for respiratory distress. Although he was later discharged (on November 12) to continue treatment and recovery at home, his health remained fragile. According to his medical team, his treatment would continue under family supervision.
News of his death sparked an outpouring of grief across Bollywood. Director Karan Johar called it “the end of an era.” Tributes flowed in from fans, actors, and politicians, as the nation mourned the loss of a cinematic titan.
Who Was Dharmendra’s First Wife, and What About Hema Malini?
- First Wife – Prakash Kaur:
Dharmendra’s first marriage was to Prakash Kaur. They were married long before his rise to stardom. - Second Wife – Hema Malini:
He later married film star Hema Malini in 1980. Though he remained legally married to Prakash Kaur, his relationship with Hema Malini was deeply public and became part of his legacy.
Sons’ Tribute: Sunny & Bobby Deol
Dharmendra leaves behind a large, film-centric family. Two of his most prominent sons — Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol — are themselves celebrated actors, and they have publicly paid tribute to their father.
- Sunny Deol: Known for his action roles, Sunny has often spoken of his father’s influence, both on screen and off.
- Bobby Deol: Also deeply affected by the loss, he joins the chorus of Bollywood mourning a legend.
Their messages reflect not just personal grief but also a recognition of their father’s immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Final Film: Ikkis and Dharmendra’s Legacy
Dharmendra’s last film is the war drama Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film, based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, is set to be released on December 25, 2025 — making Dharmendra’s role posthumous.
His body of work spans over six decades and more than 300 films, including iconic roles in Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Dharam Veer, and many more.
Why It Matters
Dharmendra’s death isn’t just the passing of a popular actor — it’s the end of a defining chapter in Bollywood. He bridged the action-hero era and the more nuanced, character-driven storytelling of later decades. His influence extended beyond performance: his legacy is carried on through his children, and his films remain cultural touchstones.
His final role in Ikkis underscores how relevant he was right up to his last days — a rare feat for stars of his generation. And with so many tributes, it’s clear his loss resonates not just in Bollywood, but with audiences across the world who grew up watching him.
FAQs
Yes — credible sources like AP News and Reuters report that Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89.
His first wife was Prakash Kaur, whom he married decades before his rise to fame.
Yes. Among his children are Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both actors, as well as daughters Esha Deol, Ahana, and more.
His final movie is the war drama Ikkis, which is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
Dharmendra’s death marks a profound moment for Indian cinema — a beloved, larger-than-life star is gone, but his films and the family he nurtured will keep his spirit alive.
