Written By: Muskan Gupta | Updated : December 8, 2025 3:18 PM IST
Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra died on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89, leaving the film industry in great sadness. The renowned He-Man of Hindi cinema died at his Juhu home following days of uncertainty about his condition. On the day of, an ambulance surrounded by strong security was spotted outside his residence, causing alarm among followers. Hours later, news of his death was confirmed, and the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai hosted a gloomy gathering of the industry's top heavyweights, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan.
Until today, no one from the Deol family has spoken publicly about the tragedy. That silence was broken when Hema Malini, his wife and veteran actress, posted a poignant tribute on social media today, along with numerous previously unseen photos of the two.
View this post on Instagram
Sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram, Hema Malini wrote, "Dharam ji, he was many things to me. Loving Husband, adoring Father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, Friend, Philosopher, Guide, Poet, my 'go to' person in all times of need in fact, he was everything to me! And always has been through good times and bad. He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them."
"As a public personality, his talent, his humility despite his popularity, and his universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever. My personal loss is indescribable, and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life. After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments ," the actress added.
The relation between Dharmendra and Hema Malini has been an unspoken but stable liaison full of warmth and respect. They had met initially on a film set because their onscreen attraction was liked by everyone, but as time passed, the connection grew into a strong bond in reality. Their marriage unified them as partners who have held each other as they went through various life and career transformations. They still enjoy a cordial friendship that has since been marked by a sense of understanding, care and a firm emotional base of many years.
Dharmendra was hospitalised at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month due to deterioration in his condition. According to reports, the renowned actor was on ventilator support, which raised concerns throughout the profession. His sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, as well as Esha Deol and Hema Malini, were frequently spotted at the hospital. Celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, his son Aryan Khan, and Salman Khan were also seen visiting him before his death.
Dharmendra, dubbed Bollywood's 'He-Man' and one of Hindi cinema's most beloved actors, was cremated in Mumbai on Monday. He is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and six children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Ajeeta, and Vijeta. A prayer meeting for the late actor is set to take place in a Mumbai hotel today from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., allowing family, friends, and colleagues to join together to honour his life and memory.
