Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24 in Mumbai at the age of 89. The veteran star, popularly known as the He-Man of Bollywood, had been battling age-related issues. In October, he complained of breathlessness and was taken to Breach Candy Hospital. On November 12, 2025, he was discharged and was recuperating at home.
However, on November 24, he breathed his last. The passing of the veteran star has left a void in the film industry and among fans, especially as Dharmendra was given a silent funeral, with fans not informed and no media allowed to cover the cremation.
During his last few days at home after hospitalisation, a video circulated showing Dharmendra lying on a bed with doctors and staff around him. His sons, actors Bobby and Sunny Deol, and daughters Ajeeta and Vijeta, were present, as he was staying with his first wife, Prakash Kaur. The clip showed Prakash Kaur crying inconsolably and praying to God for his recovery. Many celebrities visited Dharmendra after his discharge.
Recently, Anil Sharma, a close family friend of the Deols, spoke about Dharmendra's final days, recalling that the legendary actor appeared to be on the road to recovery after leaving the hospital.
Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Anil said, "I went to his home. He had recovered. He would open his eyes and even move his hands. He was recovering, and doctors were saying that Dharamji bahut strong aadmi hai (Doctors said he is a very strong man)."
He added that even the medical team believed Dharmendra would bounce back: "Doctors assured us he would recover, and even in the hospital, it looked like he would. But age shows its signs, and you can't fight that. Everyone was hopeful, and we all thought we would celebrate his birthday on December 8."
On Friday, the Deol family announced a prayer meet for Dharmendra on November 27, 2025, and it is named "Celebration of Life", and is scheduled in Mumbai. This prayer meet will offer an opportunity for family, friends from the film industry, and well-wishers to pay their final respects to Dharmendra.
The family shared an invitation poster. Many celebrities from Bollywood and the film fraternity are expected to attend, and singer Sonu Nigam may perform some of Dharmendra's popular songs at the service.
