India is mourning the loss of one of its greatest cinematic legends, Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday at the age of 89.

The veteran actor, affectionately known as Dharam Paaji, died at his Mumbai residence weeks after battling respiratory complications. His last rites will be performed at Mumbai's Pawan Hans crematorium. His wife, Hema Malini, daughter Esha Deol, actors Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aamir Khan, among others, were seen reaching the crematorium as soon as the news broke.

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar expressed condolences on the legend's demise on his social media accounts.

Veteran actor Dharmendra | Film director Karan Johar posts on Instagram - "It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of… pic.twitter.com/Vq1EjyeB3Z
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025

Dharmendra’s final days and hospitalisation

Earlier this month, Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after reportedly experiencing breathing difficulties. He remained under treatment for several days before being discharged on November 12.

Following his return home, the Deol family issued a heartfelt note requesting privacy and thanking fans and the media for their prayers. The statement asked the public to avoid speculation and allow the actor to recover peacefully.

Veteran actor, #Dharmendra affectionately known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and ‘Dharam Paaji,' passed away today at the age of 89. His passing leaves behind an unmatched legacy of over six decades.#News pic.twitter.com/iqE7oXfXJL
— Filmfare (@filmfare) November 24, 2025

However, on Monday morning, concerns returned after an ambulance with tight security reached his home. Sources later confirmed to IANS that the legendary star had passed away. This marked his second major health concern within a month. The superstar would have turned 90 on December 8.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan arrive at Vile Parle Crematorium in Mumbai. An official statement on veteran actor Dharmendra's health is awaited. pic.twitter.com/JIXuoWvq5L
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025

Family and doctors had hoped for recovery

At the time of his earlier discharge, Dr. Rajiv Sharma of Breach Candy Hospital said Dharmendra had left the hospital “fully satisfied” with treatment and was in a stable condition.

The heart of Indian cinema has lost one of its brightest lights.
Dharmendra ji wasn’t just an actor, he was an emotion, a timeless presence who brought charm, warmth, and strength to every frame. From his effortless humor to his unshakable grace, he taught generations what it… pic.twitter.com/1nSAj0aYdl
— IIFA (@IIFA) November 24, 2025

He urged the public not to spread false rumours, expressing hope that the actor would celebrate his next birthday. But despite the medical care and family arrangements at home, Dharmendra could not recover from his complications.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) arrives at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai with his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan).

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/8CwjXD7GIL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2025

Who was Dharmendra?

Dharmendra Singh Deol, born in 1935, made his film debut in 1960 and went on to act in over 300 films -- a record number of hits unmatched in Hindi cinema. Dharmendra was one of the few actors who excelled in every genre -- from romantic dramas to high-octane action roles to critically acclaimed character portrayals.

His most iconic role remains Veeru in Sholay, one of the greatest Indian films ever made. Some of his other unforgettable performances came in: Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer, Pratigya, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dillagi, The Burning Train, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, and dozens more.

In the later phase of his career, he won acclaim for films such as Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

His final film will be Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, where he plays the grandfather of Agastya Nanda.

Dharmendra received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 for his enormous contribution to Hindi cinema. In 2012, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third-highest civilian honour.

Family rooted in Indian cinema

Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini, his first wife Prakash Kaur, sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema. His charm, humility, and cinematic brilliance will continue to inspire generations.