Bollywood veteran Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 89. After a prolonged illness, his death prompted emotional tributes from business leaders, co-stars, and fans. His films and persona forever transformed Indian cinema.
Dharmendra was born on December 8, 1935, and worked in over 300 films across six decades. He is remembered for classics like Sholay (1975), Chupke Chupke (1975), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Satyakam (1969), and Haqeeqat (1964). He was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital in early November but discharged on November 12. Yet, he passed away at his Juhu home on November 24.
His funeral took place at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, attended by stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Agastya Nanda, Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan, and Shabana Azmi. Fans lined up for hours to pay respects, such as Ashok Shaini, who worked as his cook from 1987 to 1992. Fan club leader Shashikant Sharma had planned a 90-kg cake for Dharmendra's upcoming 90th birthday in December.
Business tycoon Gautam Adani tweeted, 'The light of Indian cinema dims today... Yeh dosti hum nahi todenge will surely be remembered. Dharm paaji, my humble tribute.' Naveen Jindal said, 'India has lost its original He-Man... His legacy full of courage, kindness, and honesty.' Anil Agarwal wrote, 'Dharmendra was a real hero of our time... His journey from a small village to Mumbai's glittering world.'
Amitabh Bachchan wrote on his blog, 'Another valiant Giant has left... The epitome of greatness with largeness of heart and endearing simplicity.' Javed Akhtar recalled a 1969 film Yakeen incident where Dharmendra yelled over a mistake but later apologized due to eye irritation. Alia Bhatt, who shared screen space with him in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), called him 'a legend who lit up every frame.' Jaya Bachchan remembered their first meeting, saying he looked like a 'Greek God.'
