The death of veteran actor Dharmendra has left the country grieving the loss of one of Indian cinema’s most iconic stars. The beloved He-Man of Bollywood, who had been unwell in recent weeks, passed away earlier today at the age of 89. His final days were surrounded by concern after false rumours of his death circulated online, which were later dismissed. Sadly, the actor lived only a few days beyond those rumours before his family confirmed the heartbreaking news.
Dharmendra’s passing has brought an emotional wave across social media, with fans and colleagues remembering not only his extraordinary body of work but also his warm personality, humility and unmatched screen presence. As tributes continue to pour in, audiences have also begun revisiting some of his most recent performances, many of which reminded viewers that his charisma remained untouched even in his later years.
Below is a look at Dharmendra’s notable recent films, each of which added another memorable chapter to his remarkable journey.
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024)
Dharmendra appeared as the grandfather of the protagonist, played by Shahid Kapoor, in this science-fiction romantic comedy. His scenes brought emotional balance to the futuristic storyline involving a human-robot love story. Interestingly, he chose to use his full name, Dharmendra Singh Deol, in the film credits, which fans viewed as a nostalgic gesture. His presence added warmth and familiarity to a film driven by youthful energy.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
In this Karan Johar directorial, Dharmendra played Kanwal Lund, the loving grandfather of Rocky (Ranveer Singh). His role, though not lengthy, became one of the most talked-about elements of the film, especially due to a tender moment he shared with Shabana Azmi, which went viral after the film’s release. Critics appreciated his gentle, dignified performance, noting how effortlessly he commanded the screen even among a star-studded cast.
Khalli Balli (2022)
Dharmendra featured in this horror-comedy as a psychiatrist, contributing a brief yet impactful appearance. The film revolves around mysterious events affecting a young woman, leading to a series of paranormal investigations. While Khalli Balli received mixed reviews, Dharmendra’s cameo was highlighted for adding credibility and a sense of comfort to an otherwise chaotic narrative.
Ikkis (Unreleased)
One of Dharmendra’s final projects is Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda. Dharmendra plays a grandfather in the film, a role that aligns with the gentle, elder-statesman persona he embraced in the later years of his career. Although the film is yet to release, it is already being spoken of as his final cinematic appearance, making it emotionally significant for fans.
Dharmendra ANd His Love For Social Media
In the months leading up to his passing, Dharmendra remained active on social media, often sharing heartfelt, poetic reflections. Some of his recent posts touched fans deeply as they sensed vulnerability and emotional honesty in his words. These posts have gained renewed attention today, with many readers revisiting them as they pay tribute to a legend whose presence shaped the lives of millions.
- Dharmendra leaves behind a legacy that is rare, vast and unforgettable. His films, his sincerity and the warmth he carried throughout his life will continue to live on in the hearts of generations.
