Dharmendra passes away at the age of 89: Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra died on November 24 at the age of 89 at his Mumbai residence. His last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium, where colleagues, friends and fans gathered to bid farewell to one of the most iconic stars of Indian cinema. An ambulance was seen outside his home earlier in the day, signaling the moment the industry had long feared but was unprepared for.
Karan Johar’s emotional tribute
Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram to express the industry’s collective grief, describing Dharmendra’s demise as “the end of an era”. He wrote, “A huge megastar… the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence… he is and will always be a true legend of Indian cinema.” His message reflects the sentiments of millions of people who have grown up watching Dharmendra redefine stardom.
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One last goodbye surrounded by stars
Many celebrities, filmmakers and colleagues visited the cremation ground to pay their respects. The atmosphere was sombre but reverent, reflecting Dharmendra’s immense influence on Hindi cinema across generations.
#Watch Maharashtra: An ambulance leaves the residence of veteran actor Dharmendra in Mumbai. An official statement on his health is awaited. pic.twitter.com/9lBSuGbZs9– ANI (@ANI) 24 November 2025
His last roles and upcoming films
Dharmendra was last seen in the 2024 film Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. He was scheduled to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s next film Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat, which was scheduled to release on 25 December. The project now carries emotional weight as one of the great actor’s final films.
A career that defined Indian cinema
Over a span of over 60 years and 300 films, Dharmendra became synonymous with mainstream Hindi cinema. Universally considered one of the most handsome and successful leading men in Bollywood history, he holds the record for starring in the most number of hit films in Hindi cinema. His contribution was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
From a promising young actor to an unstoppable star
Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and quickly gained popularity in the mid-1960s with films like Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar and Aaye Din Bahaar Ke. His stardom rose in the late 1960s, 70s and 80s with blockbuster films like Aankhen, Shikar, Jeevan Mrityu, Sita Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Mera Gaon Mera Desh and the evergreen classic Sholay.
An unmatched filmography of hits
The list of his iconic films spans across genres and decades: Pratigya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, The Burning Train, Chupke Chupke, Dillagi, Naya Zamana, Samadhi, Resham Ki Dori, Bandini, Haqeeqat, and many others. Only a few stars have achieved such consistent box-office success.
A respected character actor in later years
In the late 1990s and 2000s, Dharmendra transitioned into impressive character roles, working in acclaimed films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana franchise, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, and Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
A legacy engraved in cinematic history
Dharmendra was not just an actor – he was a phenomenon. His charm, versatility, action-hero aura, romantic intensity and relatable warmth made him one of the biggest cultural icons of Indian cinema. His legacy lives on not only through his iconic roles, but through the generations of actors and filmmakers he inspired.