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Dharmendra, legendary Bollywood actor known as He-Man, passed away at 89. Anil Deshmukh and Sharad Pawar mourn his loss, recalling iconic roles in Sholay and other classics.
As India mourns the passing of Dharmendra at 89, fans are revisiting the legendary dialogues that defined his charisma, intensity, and humour.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep grief over the passing of veteran actor Padma Bhushan Dharmendra, describing his death as the end of an era in Indian cinema.
In a condolence message, Fadnavis recalled Dharmendra as a dazzling star who lit up the golden era of Hindi films, portraying a wide range of roles – from dreamy young heroes to powerful, action-packed leads. He added that the actor, popularly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” will always remain in the hearts of film enthusiasts.
In a condolence message, Fadnavis recalled Dharmendra as a dazzling star who lit up the golden era of Hindi films, portraying a wide range of roles – from dreamy young heroes to powerful, action-packed leads. He added that the actor, popularly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” will always remain in the hearts of film enthusiasts.
“Dharmendra’s passing is a huge loss for Indian cinema. Our thoughts are with the Deol family and millions of his fans during this time of grief. May God give them the strength to bear this loss,” Fadnavis added, paying a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor who shaped a golden chapter in the history of Bollywood.
NCP leader (SP) and former Maharashtra minister Anil Deshmukh on Monday expressed deep grief over the passing of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, calling his death a “shocking” loss for Indian cinema.
In a post on X, Deshmukh said the legendary actor — whose career spanned six decades and over 300 films — had “slipped behind the curtain of time,” leaving millions of admirers mourning.
Deshmukh remembered Dharmendra as both “an excellent actor and a generous friend,” noting that the star delivered unforgettable performances in films such as Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dharam Veer, Aankhen, Raja Jani, Gulaami, Pratiggya, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat.
Calling him a “versatile icon of the film world,” Deshmukh said Dharmendra brought authenticity and emotional depth to every role he played, and that his absence leaves a void in Indian cinema.
The actor’s death has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the film industry and political spectrum.
Sharad Pawar Expressed Grief
NCP chief Sharad Pawar also expressed his grief over the passing of Dharmendra, describing the actor as a cinematic icon who left an indelible mark on Indian audiences.
Pawar reminisced about the actor’s iconic character ‘Veeru’ from Sholay, calling it “a symbol of close friendship and a dynamic hero” that continues to resonate with fans. He added that scenes such as Dharmendra atop the water tank in Sholay are still fondly referenced in popular culture, including by political workers during protest movements.
१९६० च्या दशकात भारतीय सिनेसृष्टीत पदार्पण करून चित्रपटात सर्वसामान्य माणसांचं प्रतिनिधित्व करणाऱ्या कथानकांमधून उठावदार भूमिका साकारणारे आणि भारतीय प्रेक्षकांची मनं जिंकून सिनेजगतात आपली स्वतंत्र ओळख निर्माण करणाऱ्या ज्येष्ठ अभिनेते धर्मेंद्र देओल यांची मृत्यूशी झुंज अखेर अपयशी… pic.twitter.com/oEfS3OYc7e— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 24, 2025
Pawar concluded by paying “heartfelt tribute to the ‘Dharam Paaji’ of the film industry” and extending condolences to the actor’s family.
‘Not Just Good Actor But Also A Good, Simple Human Being’
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also remembered Dharmendra as a man of remarkable talent and humility, saying the legendary star will be missed not only for his cinematic achievements but also for his simplicity and personal warmth.
“Dharmendra was not just a good actor but also a good and simple human being. I had a personal connection with him. He was committed to the country and the farmers. His work in films cannot be forgotten. The film industry has suffered a huge loss with his passing away. He used to come and meet me. I have good relations with his sons and Hema Malini ji,” he said.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dharmendra, remembering him as a proud Punjabi whose life and work carried the essence of his homeland.
In a post on X, Badal said, “With profound sorrow, we bid farewell to Sardar Dharmendra Singh – the legendary He-man of Bollywood. Born and raised on the sacred soil of Punjab, he carried the fragrance of its fields, the warmth of its people, and the resilience of its spirit wherever he went.”
He added that the actor remained deeply connected to Punjab, its language, culture, and timeless values until his very last breath. Badal extended his thoughts and prayers to Dharmendra’s family and fans, wishing them strength in this hour of grief and eternal peace for the departed soul.
Legendary Indian actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’, passed away at the age of 89. The veteran star breathed his last on November 24, 2025, just days after being discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted for a routine checkup.
Dharmendra had been facing age-related health challenges for some time, with periodic hospital visits in recent months.
November 24, 2025, 14:38 IST
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