Dharmendra Passes Away at 89: Tributes Pour In for Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and His Iconic Films, Songs

Monday, November 24, 2025, 16:31

Indian cinema is mourning the loss of one of its most loved icons as Dharmendra, Bollywood's original "He-Man," passed away at the age of 89. The iconic actor, who shaped an entire era of romance and action, breathed his last on Monday. The passing away of this stalwart has triggered nationwide tributes, from political leaders down to film giants and generations of fans, all remembering his unforgettable contribution to Indian cinema.

Nation Grieves the End of an Era

The tributes were led by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who called his demise as "a monumental loss for Indian cinema". He lauded the "unmatched warmth, humility and versatility" of the iconic actor.

Prominent leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, also offered condolences.

President Droupadi Murmu remembered the actor as a "towering figure whose contributions transformed mainstream Hindi cinema."

Bollywood Unites in Sorrow

From megastars to young actors, the film industry turned emotional on social media and outside his residence.

Amitabh Bachchan, his co-star in Sholay, wrote that a "chunk of cinema history has left us today."
Salman Khan remembered him as "the most loving man of Hindi cinema," calling him his idol.
Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Karan Johar all paid heartfelt respects.
Punjabi superstar Gippy Grewal called Dharmendra "one of the most genuine and knowledgeable souls" he had ever known.
Dharmendra's sons - Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol - were seen tearfully receiving visitors at the funeral, held at Mumbai's Pawan Hans Crematorium.

A Legacy Larger Than Life

The journey of Dharmendra from a young dreamer hailing from Punjab to being one of the most highly acknowledged actors of India is etched in the history of cinema. With over 300 films in six decades, he etched himself as the face of romance in the '60s, the king of action in the '70s, and an endearing character actor in his later years.

The effortless charm, the rugged screen presence, and the magnetic smile made him a phenomenon across generations.

Iconic Films of Dharmendra

No tribute to Dharmendra can ever be complete without recalling the classics that made him a legend. His most celebrated films include:

Photo Credit: Google

Sholay (1975)
Chupke Chupke (1975)
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)
Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
Anupama (1966)
Phool Aur Patthar (1966)
Dream Girl (1977)
The Burning Train (1980)

These films established him as one of Bollywood's most versatile stars - equally loved in drama, comedy, romance, and high-voltage action.

Famous Songs of Dharmendra

His movies gifted Hindi cinema some of the most evergreen melodies:

"Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas" - Blackmail
"Ye Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge" - Sholay
"Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana" - Pratiggya
"Kya Hua Tera Vaada" - Hum Kisise Kum Naheen
"Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun" - Zakhmee

These songs continue to occupy a permanent place in Indian pop culture.

Famous Dialogues of Dharmendra

From suave romantic lines to fiery action-hero punches, Dharmendra delivered some of Bollywood's most unforgettable dialogues:

"Kutte, main tera khoon pi jaaunga!" - Phool Aur Patthar
"Basanti, in kutton ke saamne mat nachna." - Sholay
"Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai..." - with trademark intensity
"Main sharab nahi peeta, sharab mujhe peeti hai."

Each line carries the charm, wit and power that made him irreplaceable.

A Star Whose Light Will Never Fade

Dharmendra has left behind a legacy of love, laughter, heroism and humanity. One generation of actors grew up idolising him; another grew up imitating him. And millions grew up loving him. As the tributes keep coming in, one thing is certain: there can never be another Dharmendra. His films, their songs, and dialogues will continue to reverberate across time, keeping the legend alive forever.