Bollywood Plunged into Grief as the Legendary 'He-Man' Departs
The year 2025 has proven to be exceptionally difficult for the Indian film fraternity, marking the end of a golden era. In a heartbreaking development today, legendary actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as the "He-Man of Bollywood," has left for his heavenly abode. He breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89.
This tragic news strikes a particularly painful chord as the veteran star was just days away from celebrating his milestone 90th birthday. His departure has sent shockwaves through the industry and among his millions of fans worldwide. The gloom is palpable, especially as the industry is still reeling from the recent reported losses of other celebrated artists like Pankaj Dheer, Satish Shah, and Asrani in October.
Family and Industry in Mourning
Reports suggest that the actor had been struggling with health issues for some time, leading to limited public appearances recently. Prior to his passing, heavyweights of the industry, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, and Ameesha Patel, were seen visiting Breach Candy Hospital to check on his health during his treatment.
Dharmendra is survived by a large and loving family, including his first wife Prakash Kaur, second wife and actress Hema Malini, sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes as fans and celebrities alike express their deepest condolences to the Deol family.
A Legacy That Lives On
While the actor is no longer with us, his cinematic legacy remains immortal. Audiences last saw him lighting up the screen in the 2024 release Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.
Fans will have one final opportunity to witness his magic on the silver screen. His last appearance will be in the Sriram Raghavan directorial Ikkis. The film, a war drama centered on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, features Agastya Nanda in the lead. Ikkis is slated for a Christmas release later this year, serving as a fitting farewell tribute to the cinema icon.
