Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most iconic actors, has passed away. On Monday (24 November) morning, the veteran actor departed for the great beyond. He was 89.
According to Indian media NDTV, Dharmendra had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital in late October due to respiratory complications. After receiving treatment, he was discharged just 12 days ago and returned home. However, he ultimately could not recover; on Monday morning, he died at his residence.
Earlier in the day, an ambulance was seen entering Dharmendra’s Juhu residence in Mumbai. Security was immediately tightened, with police placing barricades within 50 meters of the house to control public movement.
News agency ANI posted on X (Twitter) that celebrities had begun arriving at the veteran actor’s home. Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and several others were reportedly present.
From that moment, news of his death began to spread. Several leading Indian media outlets published reports confirming the veteran actor’s demise. However, confusion persisted as there had been no official announcement from the family.
A major mystery unfolded around Mumbai’s Vile Parle crematorium. Multiple Indian outlets claimed that Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and the entire family were seen there. Even Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were reportedly present. This fueled speculation—why was the whole family at the crematorium while there was still no formal announcement?
Dharmendra’s family has still not publicly confirmed his death. Indian media claim that due to past incidents where misleading death rumours circulated, the Deol family may now be maintaining strict privacy surrounding the legendary actor’s passing.
Meanwhile, Bollywood director Karan Johar expressed grief on social media, writing:
“The end of an era. A massive megastar. The very embodiment of a mainstream film hero. Exceptionally handsome, with a timeless on-screen presence. He was and will remain a true legend of Indian cinema.”
Dharmendra made his Bollywood debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. In the early years of his career, he captured viewers’ hearts by portraying ordinary men in films like Anpadh, Bandini, Anupama, and Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke.
He later rose to unparalleled stardom as an action and romantic hero. Classics such as Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Dream Girl immortalized him in Indian cinema. Admirers lovingly called him the “He-Man” of Bollywood for his physique and action roles.
