"He never forgot his roots and us."
Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a cinematic legacy and considerable wealth.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, he made his acting debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, quickly becoming known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema.
Dharmendra charmed audiences with his infectious talent, handsome looks, and signature machismo, starring in classics including Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Satyakam (1969), and Sholay (1975).
Despite speculation about his estate, Dharmendra’s children will not inherit his ancestral property in Punjab, valued at crores, as the actor had gifted it to relatives decades ago.
Dharmendra grew up in Nasrali, Punjab, with his family hailing from nearby Dangon, where his father owned farmland.
After moving to Mumbai in the 1950s, his cousins maintained and tilled the land for years.
In 2015, Dharmendra returned to the village and transferred 19 kanal and three marla of land to his nephews.
Buta Singh Deol said, “Dharmendra uncle was my father Manjit Singh’s cousin. He never forgot his roots and us.”
Buta Singh added, “Before 2015, our family had been taking care of his land for decades. That is why he gifted the property to my father and uncle.”
The actor had six children.
His first marriage to Prakash Kaur in 1954 produced sons Sunny and Bobby Deol and daughters Ajeita and Vijeta Deol.
While still married, he married Hema Malini in 1980, and they had daughters Esha and Ahana Deol.
Dharmendra’s health began to deteriorate on November 10, 2025.
False reports of his death circulated the following day, which his family strongly condemned.
The news was later confirmed by Karan Johar on Instagram.
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.”
The actor spent his final days at home surrounded by family.
His funeral saw attendance from Bollywood stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Aamir Khan, paying tribute to his extraordinary career.
Dharmendra will also appear posthumously in Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25, 2025, marking yet another addition to his celebrated filmography.
Fans across India and the world continue to celebrate Dharmendra’s work, remembering him not just for his films but for his warmth, charisma, and impact on generations.
His legacy remains firmly cemented in Bollywood history, with both his cinematic contributions and the stories of his personal life continuing to intrigue and inspire fans.
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