Remembering Dharmendra

Veteran Indian actor and former parliamentarian Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, widely known simply as Dharmendra, died November 24, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 89.

Born December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, India, Dharmendra emerged from modest beginnings to become one of Bollywood's most enduring leading men.

His film debut came in 1960 with the romantic drama "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere." Over a career spanning seven decades, he appeared in more than 300 films, embodying roles across romance, comedy, action, and later character parts.

Some of his most celebrated work includes "Mera Gaon Mera Desh," "Phool Aur Patthar," "Chupke Chupke," and the cult classic "Sholay" (1975), in which his onscreen friendship with co-star Amitabh Bachchan became legendary.

Beyond his cinematic achievements, Dharmendra served as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009 representing the Bikaner constituency on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party. In 2012, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the arts.

His personal life was closely intertwined with his film work. He married Prakash Kaur in 1954, with whom he had four children. Later he married actress Hema Malini in 1980, with whom he had been paired in movies and shared powerful chemistry. The couple had two daughters. His elder sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and his daughter, Esha Deol, followed him into acting.

Tributes poured in from across the spectrum. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, described Dharmendra as "an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played." Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan referred to him as "nothing short of a father figure to me," highlighting his personal impact on members of the film community and younger generations of actors.

Dharmendra is survived by his wives, six children, grandchildren, and a vast legion of fans across the globe. His death heralds the end of an era for Indian cinema, one where charisma, action-hero flair and romantic sensitivity co-existed in a single star.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Raj K Raj/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)