Bollywood Bids Farewell to Dharmendra in Emotional Celebration of Life
The Bollywood industry and fans across India came together on Thursday to pay tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025. The veteran star, fondly remembered as Bollywood's 'He-Man', left behind an incredible legacy spanning over six decades in Hindi cinema.
Celebration of Life: A Fitting Tribute
The Deol family organized a heartfelt 'Celebration of Life' event at Taj Lands End in Bandra, Mumbai, rather than a traditional prayer meet. The gathering took place from 5 pm to 7:30 pm on November 27, 2025 at the hotel's seaside lawns, reflecting Dharmendra's large-hearted and joyful approach to life.
In a moving gesture that captured the essence of Dharmendra's cinematic journey, the family invited renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam to perform some of the late actor's most iconic songs. The musical tribute featured evergreen melodies that generations of Indians have cherished, bringing smiles and comfort through the power of music that defined much of Dharmendra's film career.
Heartfelt Tributes from Family and Industry
Hema Malini, Dharmendra's wife, shared an emotional tribute on social media, describing him as 'everything to me'. Her heartfelt post revealed the depth of their relationship, calling him a loving husband, devoted father to their daughters Esha and Ahana, friend, philosopher, guide, poet, and her constant support through good times and bad.
Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini, his first wife Prakash Kaur, and his six children – Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Ajeeta, and Vijeta. The family received visits from numerous Bollywood celebrities including Vicky Kaushal, Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and many others who came to offer their condolences.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even in his late 80s, Dharmendra remained active on screen, with recent appearances in Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' and Shahid Kapoor's 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya'. Fans will have one final opportunity to see the legendary actor on screen in Sriram Raghavan's upcoming film 'Ikkis', scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
The film industry also mourned the loss of potential projects, with filmmaker Anil Sharma expressing sadness that 'Apne 2' would remain an incomplete dream. The original 'Apne' film in 2007 had marked the first on-screen collaboration of Dharmendra with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol.
Dharmendra's gentle smile, warm heart, and timeless charm made him one of Hindi cinema's most beloved stars. His versatility as an actor and his humble nature despite massive popularity created a unique legacy that will continue to inspire generations of cinema lovers and aspiring actors for years to come.
