Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, one of India&rsquo;s most cherished and influential actors, passed away at the age of 89, marking the end of a monumental era in Hindi cinema. Top stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Zayed Khan, arrived at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai to pay their final respects. Heavy police deployment ensured controlled movement as celebrities and dignitaries gathered alongside the late actor&rsquo;s family.
Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital for breathing complications but was discharged after signs of improvement. However, his condition reportedly worsened again, and he was placed on ventilatory support before his demise. Known to have shifted to his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife Prakash Kaur due to rising pollution in Mumbai, the actor had been living a quieter life in recent years.
His death follows a string of notable industry losses, including Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah, and advertising veteran Piyush Pandey, deepening the sense of grief within the film fraternity.
Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra&rsquo;s entry into films was the result of a prestigious nationwide talent search conducted by Filmfare magazine and Bimal Roy Productions in the late 1950s. Winning the contest in 1958 opened the doors of Hindi cinema for him, setting him on a path that would later inspire generations. The same contest would also bring Rajesh Khanna into the spotlight.
Dharmendra&rsquo;s rise was swift and spectacular, defined by his arresting screen presence, emotional range, and natural charisma. From action to romance and comedy, he excelled across genres. His iconic roles in Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and numerous other classics cemented his place as one of Bollywood&rsquo;s most adored stars. He was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India&rsquo;s third-highest civilian award, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Dharmendra leaves behind an unmatched legacy, remembered for his warmth, humility, and unparalleled on-screen magic.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

Amitabh, Aamir, Salman and other stars gather at Pawan Hans to bid farewell to Dharmendra

Dharmendra Passes Away at 89

Amitabh, Aamir, Salman and other stars gather at Pawan Hans to bid farewell to Dharmendra

November 24, 2025 | 20:20 IST