It’s a truly heavy-hearted day for Indian cinema. The legendary actor Dharmendra, lovingly known as the original 'He-Man' of Bollywood, has left us at the age of 89. The news sent a wave of grief across the entire film industry and among millions of fans who grew up watching his magnetic presence on screen. He passed away after battling age-related health issues, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Legendary actor Dharmendra, known as Bollywood's 'He-Man', passed away at the age of 89.
- ✓ His incredible career spanned over seven decades, featuring more than 300 films.
- ✓ Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan attended his last rites at the Vile Parle crematorium.
- ✓ He remained active until the end, with his final film, 'Ikkis', scheduled for a posthumous release on December 25th.
- ✓ Director Karan Johar paid a moving tribute, calling his passing "the end of an era."
A Legend's Final Farewell
The news came on November 24, 2025, confirming that the veteran star had taken his last breath. He had been facing some health challenges recently. On November 10th, he was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital due to breathing difficulties but was discharged just two days later on November 12th, with doctors advising continued care at home. He spent his final days at his Juhu bungalow, surrounded by his family, including his son Sunny Deol, his first wife Prakash Kaur, and their daughters.
His last rites were performed at the Vile Parle crematorium in Mumbai, and it felt like the entire industry came together to say goodbye. It was a somber gathering of stars who had either worked with him, looked up to him, or were simply touched by his iconic career. The visuals from the crematorium showed a who's who of Bollywood coming to support the Deol family in their moment of grief.
Superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, who arrived with his grandson Agastya Nanda, were present. Close family friend Salman Khan, who Dharmendra fondly called his "third son," was there, as were Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshay Kumar. Hema Malini and Esha Deol were also seen arriving to pay their final respects. The presence of these towering figures just goes to show the immense respect and love Dharmendra commanded.
An Unforgettable Seven-Decade Legacy
When you talk about Dharmendra, you're talking about a career that is almost synonymous with the history of Hindi cinema itself. For over seven decades, he graced the silver screen, starring in more than 300 films. Think about that for a moment—300 films! He wasn't just an actor; he was an institution. He could be the rugged action hero, the charming lover boy, or the hilarious comedian, all with effortless ease.
His filmography reads like a list of Bollywood's greatest hits. Classics like 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', and 'Dharam Veer' are timeless. Who can ever forget his iconic dialogue from Sholay, "Basanti, in kutton ke aage mat nachna"? It's a line that has been etched into the memory of every Indian film lover and is repeated even today. He was one of the most respected and popular stars of his time, and his influence has carried through generations.
What's truly remarkable is that his passion for acting never faded. Even at 89, he was still active and lighting up the screen. We recently saw him in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' and 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya', where he once again won the hearts of audiences with his heartfelt performances. He was a true artist who lived for the camera until his very last days.
A Final Bow on the Big Screen
In what is now a bittersweet turn of events, we haven't seen the last of Dharmendra's work just yet. He is set to appear in one final film, titled 'Ikkis', which stars Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda. The film is scheduled to be released on December 25th of this year. It's incredibly sad to think that he won't be here to witness the audience's reaction to his final performance. This last movie will surely be a poignant and emotional watch for everyone, serving as a final goodbye from the legend himself.
A Question of Legacy and Law
Beyond the screen, Dharmendra's life was often a topic of public interest, particularly his family life. His passing has brought up a complex legal question regarding his Member of Parliament pension: who is legally entitled to it, his first wife, Prakash Kaur, or his second wife, actress Hema Malini? This isn't just about emotion; it's governed by very specific legal rules in India.
Here's the thing: Indian law for MPs' pensions is quite clear. The pension goes to the legally wedded spouse. Dharmendra's first marriage to Prakash Kaur took place in 1954. To marry Hema Malini later, he reportedly converted his religion, as polygamy is permissible under Muslim Personal Law. However, from a legal standpoint, things are a bit more complicated.
According to legal experts, under the Hindu Marriage Act, a second marriage is considered illegal if the husband has not divorced his first wife. Since his first marriage was never legally dissolved, Prakash Kaur remains his legally recognized wife. Therefore, the pension rights, by law, would belong to her. Even if a conversion took place, the validity of the first marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act remains intact.
There are provisions, like the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, that allow for a pension to be split 50-50 if a person has two legally valid wives. But that condition applies only when both marriages are legally sound. In this situation, because the first marriage was never terminated, the second one doesn't hold the same legal validity for these purposes. It's a nuanced issue that highlights the complexities that can arise when personal lives intersect with public law.
Conclusion
The passing of Dharmendra is truly the end of a golden era in Bollywood. He was more than just a superstar; he was a phenomenon who defined what it meant to be a hero for generations. From his powerful screen presence to his warm, down-to-earth personality, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met and entertained. While he may no longer be with us, his legacy will live on forever through his vast and brilliant body of work. Goodbye, He-Man. You will be missed.
