"There will always be the one and only Dharam Ji."
On Monday, November 24, 2025, the legendary Bollywood actor, Dharmendra, passed away. He was 89 years old.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, he began his acting career with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960).
That debut kicked off a rich and illustrious career for an artist who came to be known as the ‘He-Man’ of the industry.
Dharmendra signified machismo and charm onscreen with his infectious talent and handsome looks.
Through a career that spanned over six decades, he appeared in classics, including Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Sholay (1975), and Satyakam (1969).
During the late 1960s, when the industry witnessed Rajesh Khanna’s phenomenal superstardom, Dharmendra was said to be the only star that was not majorly impacted by this change.
In the 1990s, he successfully transitioned to character roles, bringing an original spark to movies including Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Life in a…Metro (2007), and Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011).
In 2023, he starred in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and in 2024, he also had a prominent role in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
In 1997, the actor was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled contribution to cinema.
During his early career, the iconic actress, Meena Kumari, was said to have been in love with him.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954 and had four children with her.
The couple’s two sons are the famous actors, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. They also had two daughters, Ajeita and Vijeta Deol.
Whilst he was still married to Prakash, Dharmendra married Hema Malini in 1980. They had two daughters – Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
The veteran actor’s health began to deteriorate on November 10, 2025. The following day, media outlets began to incorrectly announce that he had died.
His family condemned these false reports. However, in a touching tribute on Instagram, Karan Johar confirmed the sad news.
He wrote: “It is the end of an era — a massive megastar, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema.
“Incredibly handsome, with the most enigmatic screen presence, he is and will always be a bona fide legend of Indian cinema.
“He is defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history.
“But above all, he was the best human being.
“He was so loved by everyone in our industry. He had only immense love and positivity for everyone.
“His blessings, his hug, and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe.
“Today, there is a gaping hole in our industry — a space that can never be filled by anyone.
“There will always be the one and only Dharam Ji.
“We love you, kind sir. We will miss you so much. The heavens are blessed today.
“It will always be my blessing to have worked with you.
“My heart says with respect, reverence, and love: ‘Abhi na jaao chod kar…ke dil abhi bhara nahin‘. (Don’t leave and go just yet. My heart isn’t satisfied).
Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aamir Khan were among the celebrities seen at Dharmendra’s funeral.
Kajol said: “The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.
“Somehow, it seems like we are only losing the good people in it.
“Kind to the core and loved always. RIP Dharam Ji.”
Ajay Devgn added: “Heartbroken to hear about Dharam Ji.
“His warmth, generosity and presence inspired generations of artists.
“The industry has lost a legend, and we’ve lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema.”
“Rest in peace, Dharam Ji.”
Dharmendra’s passing unquestionably marks the end of a truly amazing and glorious era of Indian cinema.
The actor will appear posthumously in Ikkis, scheduled to be released on December 25, 2025.
DESIblitz pay tribute to Dharmendra – one of the best and most charismatic actors Indian cinema has ever known.
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