Dharmendra, One of the most famous Bollywood actors and popularly known as “Jat Yampla Pagla Deewana” of Indian cinema, died at 89 years old on Nov 24, 2025. He died at his residence in Mumbai after fighting age-related ailments. Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai in late October due to breathlessness and other complications but was discharged on November 12 to be treated at home.
Personal Details of Dharmendra Deol:
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Full Name | Dharam Singh Deol |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1935 |
| Place of Birth | Nasrali, near Ludhiana, Punjab, India |
| Father’s Name | Kewal Krishan |
| Father’s Occupation | Village school headmaster |
| Mother’s Name | Satwant Kaur |
| Mother’s Occupation | Home Maker |
| Siblings | Brother – Ajit Deol (Died in 2015) |
| School Education | Government Senior Secondary School, Lalton Kalan |
| College Education | Ramgarhia College, Phagwara (Intermediate studies) |
| Marital Status | Married twice: Prakash Kaur (first wife), Hema Malini (second wife, married 1980) |
| Children | Six children : Sunny Deol, (Son with Prakash Kaur) Bobby Deol, (Son with Prakash Kaur) Vijeta Deol, (Daughter with Prakash Kaur) Ajeita Deol (Daughter with Prakash Kaur) Esha Deol, (Daughter with Hema Malini) Ahana Deol (Daughter with Hema Malini) |
| Total Wealth (Approx.) | Estimated $50-60 million (USD) current net worth |
| Present House Address | farmhouse in Lonavala family resides in Juhu, Mumbai. |
Career Timeline of Dharmendra Deol :
| Year | Career Milestone/Event |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Film debut with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” |
| 1966 | Breakthrough with “Phool Aur Patthar” |
| Late 1960s | Established as a romantic lead and action star |
| 1971 | Starred in “Rakhwala,” his first major commercial hit |
| 1975 | Landmark role in “Sholay,” considered one of Bollywood’s greatest films |
| 1970s-80s | Starred in many hit films including “Mera Gaon Mera Desh,” “Satyakam,” “Jugnu” |
| 1980 | Married actress Hema Malini |
| 1983 | Introduced son Sunny Deol in Bollywood with the film “Betaab” |
| 1990s | Continued success with commercial hits and character roles |
| 2000s | Focused on selective roles, transitioned to fatherly and supporting characters |
| 2004-2009 | Served as Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha representing BJP |
| 2012 | Received Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award |
| 2017 | Honored with Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award |
| Late 2010s – 2020s | Made cameo and special appearances in films, maintained status as Bollywood icon |
| 2025 | Passed away on November 24, marking the end of a six-decade-long illustrious career |
Rumors
There were rumors that Dharmendra had died when he was admitted to the hospital, but his family members later clarified that he was stable then. He breathed his last just days ahead of his 90th birthday, which would fall on December 8, 2025.
Dharmendra’s Life Controversies:
- Marriage Controversy: The most notable controversy in Dharmendra’s life was his marriage to actress Hema Malini in 1980 while still legally married to his first wife, Prakash Kaur. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, bigamy is illegal, which led to public debate and speculation on whether Dharmendra converted to Islam to marry Hema Malini. Both denied conversion, calling their personal choices private, but the marriage stirred social and political conversations that endured for decades.
- Rumors and Affairs: Dharmendra’s personal life also involved controversies related to alleged affairs, notably with actress Anita Raj during the early 1980s after his marriage to Hema Malini. Reports suggest that Hema Malini intervened to stop the relationship.
- Political Career Issues: Dharmendra’s political tenure (2004–2009) as a BJP Member of Parliament was marked by limited participation, absenteeism complaints, and a controversial remark where he suggested he should be elected “dictator perpetuo” to teach democracy’s basic etiquette. His political journey faced criticism for lack of engagement and effectiveness, leading to his exit after one term.
- Family Dynamics: Reports and statements from family members reveal Dharmendra as orthodox and possessive, especially regarding protecting his daughters from public exposure given the nature of the film industry, which also contributed to personal family controversies.
His death triggered an outpouring of sentiment in the film fraternity, with remarks coming in from leading stars and many others who visited to pay respect. His last rites were performed at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai amid devoted family, fans, and film fraternity in attendance.
Reactions from Celebrities:
- Amitabh Bachchan, a close friend and legendary actor, expressed deep sorrow, honoring Dharmendra as a “brother” and an iconic figure whose legacy is eternal.
- Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and other Bollywood stars paid tribute by remembering Dharmendra’s charismatic presence and contribution to the film industry.
- Veteran actors like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Chiranjeevi sent messages of condolence recognizing him as an enduring symbol of an era.
- Actresses like Kajol and Shilpa Shetty visited Dharmendra’s residence to offer their respects, highlighting the personal connections he shared within the industry.
Reactions from Politicians:
- Politicians including Shashi Tharoor and prominent leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) acknowledged Dharmendra’s cultural contributions and his role as a parliamentarian.
- Kamal Nath and other senior Congress leaders expressed condolences, recognizing him not only as a film icon but also as an advocate for public service during his MP tenure.
- The political fraternity broadly praised his humility and dedication beyond his cinematic stardom.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the death of Dharmendra, calling it the “end of an era” in Indian cinema. In his social media post, PM Modi described Dharmendra as an iconic film personality and phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. He noted that Dharmendra’s versatility struck a chord with countless people and praised his simplicity, humility, and warmth.
The funeral saw attendance from a wide spectrum of the entertainment and political worlds, with security tightly maintained due to the large crowds of admirers who gathered to bid farewell to the beloved actor. Dharmendra’s passing is widely seen as the end of a golden era in Bollywood.
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