Mumbai, November 24, 2025: Veteran actor Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most prolific and adored stars, died in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89 after a prolonged illness, police said. The family has not yet issued a formal statement. The actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, had been struggling with health complications for several months and was recently discharged from a city hospital, with the family opting for continued care at home.
A police communication confirmed his death early Monday and said preparations were underway for his last rites at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle. Dharmendra’s family members and close associates have started arriving at the crematorium, officers said.
Regarded as one of the most enduring leading men of Indian cinema, Dharmendra worked across six decades and over 300 films, including acclaimed roles in “Satyakam,” “Sholay,” “Seeta Aur Geeta” and “Chupke Chupke.” He remained an industry mainstay well into his later years and was remembered for his versatility, charm and wide popular appeal.
Filmmaker Karan Johar posted an emotional tribute, writing on Instagram that the industry had lost “a massive mega star, the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema.” Johar noted that Dharmendra would remain “a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema” and added, “mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry.”
The actor was last seen on screen in the 2024 film “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,” in which he played Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather.
