Dharmendra, Bollywood’s indomitable ‘He-Man,’ stormed hearts with raw power and vulnerability across 300+ films. RIP legend—your legacy endures eternally. Arindam and Rita pay tribute to the legendary actor in Different Truths.

In the flickering glow of silver screens across India, Dharmendra wasn’t just an actor—he was a force of nature, a Punjab-born whirlwind who stormed Bollywood with the raw power of a monsoon river.

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Phagwara, he arrived in Mumbai in 1959 with dreams stitched into his simple kurta. Debuting in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), he quickly became the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema, embodying unyielding strength laced with vulnerability.

Six Decades Long Career

Over the course of six decades, he delivered over 300 films, ranging from the heart-wrenching romance of Bandini (1963) to the action-packed bravado of Phool Aur Patthar (1966). But it was Sholay (1975)—as the indomitable Veeru, thundering “Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge” on a motorcycle—that etched him into eternity. Who can forget the comic genius of Chupke Chupke (1975), where his bumbling professor stole laughs, or the poignant farmer’s resolve in Naya Daur (1957)?

Dharmendra’s appeal lay in his authenticity: a farmer’s son who ploughed through stardom without losing his soil-scented humility. He romanced queens in Heera Panna (1973), wrestled fate in Dharam Veer (1977), and even dabbled in politics as a Lok Sabha MP from Bharatiya Janata Party (2004-2009).

Two Wives, Farming, Family and Poetry

Off-screen, his love for poetry, farming, and family—two wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini; sons Sunny and Bobby Deol; daughters Esha and Ahana—mirrored the depth he brought to roles. Even in later years, films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023) showcased his twinkling-eyed charm, proving legends don’t fade; they evolve.

On November 24, 2025, at 89, Dharmendra slipped away peacefully at his Mumbai residence, weeks shy of his 90th birthday, after a brief hospitalisation for respiratory issues. The news rippled like a thunderclap, silencing sets and swelling rivers of tears. Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium became a shrine, where Hema Malini, veiled in white, stood stoic beside Sunny Deol, who lit the pyre. Esha Deol, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone converged in grief, their arrivals a poignant parade of Bollywood’s beating heart.

Glowing Tributes to the Legendary Actor

Tributes flooded in, a chorus echoing his indomitable spirit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned, “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. His warmth and versatility touched hearts across generations.” President Droupadi Murmu added, “A bona fide legend whose charisma lit up screens and inspired millions.” Home Minister Amit Shah called him “an emotional powerhouse,” while Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan lamented a “deep void in our cultural memory.”

Stars poured their souls online. Amitabh Bachchan, his Sholay brother, whispered, “There is no man more handsome than Dharmendra… Jaya’s favourite co-star.” Shah Rukh Khan: “Sir, your dialogues taught us swag; your heart, humanity. RIP He-Man.” Salman Khan, eyes misty at the funeral, shared, “Bhai, you were the real action hero—off-screen too.” Aamir Khan bowed, “An inspiration for generations; your legacy is our north star.”

Dia Mirza evoked his farmhouse joys: “Rooted, humble, tender—feeding animals, talking to trees. True greatness in simplicity.” Karan Johar declared, “An end of an era—warmest, kindest man in the industry.” Akshay Kumar: “Original He-Man, epitome of goodness.” Ajay Devgn: “Your strength touched us all.” Even cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina mourned: “A gem whose films were our childhood.”

Fans echoed the sentiment. One X user lamented, “From Veeru to countless memories—your simplicity touched millions. Om Shanti.” Another: “He-Man of hearts; legacy shines eternal.” Raj Babbar, voice breaking, recalled, “A man with a beautiful heart—we’ve lost a gem.” Suhasini Mulay, his Ikkis co-star (releasing posthumously December 25), reminisced: “Chivalrous, craved my paranthas—pure joy to work with.”

Dharmendra didn’t just act; he lived boldly, loved fiercely, and left us richer. As the sun sets on his chapter, his light—fierce yet gentle—illuminates onward. Om Shanti, Garam Dharam. You rode into the horizon, but your dosti endures.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Arindam Roy

Arindam Roy has over four decades of experience in various newsrooms of renowned media houses. He is the Founder, Publishing Director, Editor-in-Chief of Different Truths, and Kavya Kumbh Publishing Consultant (KKPC). He has co-authored ten chapters in six Coffee Table Books (CTBs) of national and international repute and is the sole author of four forthcoming CTBs (Times Group). He has also published four international poetry anthologies as the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, participated in several poetry and literary festivals, and won awards and accolades. Arindam co-authored the novel Rivers Run Back with an American writer. He stays in Bangalore and Prayagraj.

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