Indian cinema has lost a legend. Dharmendra, the iconic “He-Man” of Bollywood, passed away at his Mumbai home on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. For more than sixty years, his charisma and powerful performances captivated audiences, cementing his status as a beloved superstar. The family has not yet released an official statement detailing the cause of death, but reports suggest he had been dealing with fluctuating health for several weeks, with his 90th birthday just around the corner in December.
In the lead-up to his passing, Dharmendra experienced significant health challenges that led to public concern. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on November 13, 2025, after his health took a downturn. This hospitalization saw a wave of visits from family, including Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and prominent industry colleagues like Hema Malini, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. The family had emphasized that he was stable and undergoing observation, asking for respect for their privacy. Earlier, on October 31, he had a hospitalization that his team termed a routine medical check-up.
Soon after his hospital admissions, misinformation regarding his health spread rapidly across social media platforms. False reports of his death caused considerable alarm. Esha Deol took to social media to firmly debunk these rumors, assuring fans that her father was stable and recovering. She publicly voiced her disapproval of the “media overdrive” and pleaded for privacy.
Hema Malini also provided updates, confirming that Dharmendra was at Breach Candy Hospital for observation and was under continuous care. She shared a nostalgic photo of the actor, highlighting the strength and spirit he was known for. Videos captured by paparazzi showed Bobby Deol leaving the hospital after visiting his father.
On November 12, 2025, Dharmendra was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital, with medical professionals confirming he left in good spirits after completing his treatment. Family members then confirmed he would continue recovery at home with medical supervision.
A deeply personal video of Dharmendra from his hospital room, with his sons and grandsons by his side, was leaked, sparking outrage over the violation of his privacy. Following his return home, Sunny Deol was seen visibly upset with the paparazzi.
Dharmendra’s last film appearance was in ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.’ He was also set to feature in ‘Ikkis,’ a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, slated for a December 25, 2025 release.