Dharmendra, Veteran Bollywood Actor, Dies at 89 in Mumbai

TL;DR: Dharmendra died at home in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, at age 89 after respiratory complications. His funeral was held the same day at Pawan Hans Crematorium, with family and major film figures attending. His death follows earlier false rumors and ends a six-decade career of 300+ films.

What Happened

Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025, at his Mumbai residence at age 89 after a brief illness involving respiratory complications.
He had been hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital from October 31 to November 12 for severe breathlessness and was briefly on ventilator support.
His health declined again at home, and he passed away shortly after an ambulance arrived at his Juhu residence.

The exact medical cause of death was not officially disclosed but is understood to be age-related and linked to respiratory failure.
His family confirmed the news and requested privacy.

Funeral and Attendance

Last rites were performed on November 24 at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, with Sunny Deol lighting the pyre.
Family members present included Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Sunny Deol, and Bobby Deol.
Celebrities attending included Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Karan Johar.
Fans gathered outside the crematorium despite the family opting for a private ceremony.

Earlier False Rumors

On November 11, 2025, false online rumors claimed Dharmendra had died.
Hema Malini wrote on X: "What is happening is unforgivable!"
Esha Deol also denied the rumors and urged privacy.

Tributes

Karan Johar wrote on Instagram: "It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO… he is and will always be a bonafide Legend."

Madhur Bhandarkar posted on X: "Deeply saddened… the true He-Man of Indian cinema… warm, vibrant and full of humour."
Fans expressed grief, including one post: "Dharmendra, the beloved icon… leaving millions in sorrow. Om Shanti."
Amitabh Bachchan attended the funeral and called it “the end of an era.”

Career Highlights

Born on December 8, 1935, Dharmendra debuted in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
Acted in over 300 films across romance, comedy, action, and drama.
Known for major films including Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Satyakam.

Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012 and multiple Filmfare honors.
Produced the National Award winning Ghayal (1990).
His final film, Ikkis, is set to release on December 25, 2025.

Legacy

Regarded as Bollywood’s original “He-Man” and a pioneering action star.
Influenced generations of actors with his combination of strength, humor, and emotional depth.
Remembered for iconic dialogue including: “Basanti, in kutto ke samne mat nachna.”
Admired for his humility, reflected in quotes like: “I’d rather be known as a good human being than a good actor.”

Best 25 Notable Quotes from Dharmendra

No.	Quotes
1	“I'd rather be known as a good human being than a good actor.”
2	“I am romantic, witty, naughty... and I show that in my acting.”
3	“Make me a dictator for five years and I would remove all the dirt from Indian politics and make it clean.”
4	“I always did my own stunts, never used a duplicate.”
5	“You cannot change destiny.”
6	“Ups and downs are a part of life.”
7	“I have never differentiated between my children. I love everyone.”
8	“When I came into the film industry, I knew nobody.”
9	“The only actor I hero-worshipped was Dilipsaab. When I met him in person, it was the proudest moment in my life.”
10	“To me, acting is reacting. An emotional person will react quickly.”
11	“I stopped counting my age after I turned 60.”
12	“I am a simple man with simple needs.”
13	“There are a lot of fake people in the industry; they don't always praise or give due.”
14	“People say that artists come and go, but let me tell you, I am not an artist. I am first a human being.”
15	“I don't attend parties and don't throw any.”
16	“The first film that I signed when I came to Bombay was Bimalda's 'Bandini.'”
17	“All my co-stars are lovely ladies.'”
18	“It's always good to work with your family.”
19	“My father was stricter than I am with my kids, but that has made me what I am today.”
20	“I have always been hungry for the love of the people.”
21	“Luckily, I have always received an abundance of love. The more I received, the more I craved for it.”
22	“I've always seen many of my traits in Salman. He is like a younger version of me.”
23	“Salman has been very close to me and my family.”
24	“I've a poet's sensitivity.”
25	“I love 'Pratiggya' the most because it was a really tough role.”