Dharmendra Dies at 89: Veteran Actor of Sholay Fame
Why in the news
Veteran Indian film actor Dharmendra passed away at his residence in Mumbai on 24 November 2025, aged 89, after a brief illness.
Key facts
- Born: 8 December 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab.
- Debut: the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
- Best-known role: Veeru in Sholay (1975), opposite Amitabh Bachchan, regarded as one of the most loved performances in Indian cinema.
- Filmography: more than 300 films over about six decades.
- Honour: Padma Bhushan, 2012.
- Final film: Ikkis, scheduled for release on 25 December 2025.
About the actor
Other notable films include Phool Aur Patthar, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer and Hukumat. He was known as Bollywood’s “He-Man” for his looks and action roles. He also served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009, representing Bikaner in Rajasthan for the BJP. He is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini and six children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.
Exam angle
- Remember his role in Sholay and his debut year, 1960.
- Note the Padma Bhushan (2012) in awards questions.
- Obituary items usually ask for birth place and age at death.