Two marriages that shaped his personal life

Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, before joining films. With Prakash, he welcomed four children – Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, and Ajeeta Deol. Despite turbulence in their marriage, Prakash remained a significant figure in Dharmendra’s life and continued to stay connected to the family.

In 1980, he married actress Hema Malini, with whom he shared a long-standing bond both on and off screen. Their marriage added another branch to the Deol family, with two daughters – Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Dharmendra maintained a relationship with both families, and photographs from family events over the years showed mutual respect among the children and wives.

Children from his first marriage

Sunny Deol

One of Bollywood’s biggest action stars, Sunny followed closely in his father’s footsteps. He is now also a Member of Parliament. Sunny is married to Pooja Deol, and they have two sons – Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol.

Bobby Deol

Known for films such as Barsaat, Gupt, Soldier and his recent resurgence with Aashram and Animal, Bobby is married to Tanya Deol. They have two sons – Aryaman Deol and Dharam Deol.

Vijeta and Ajeeta Deol

Dharmendra’s daughters from his first marriage have lived largely private lives away from the media. They are married and settled abroad.

Children from his marriage to Hema Malini

Esha Deol

A successful actress and now an author and producer, Esha is married to businessman Bharat Takhtani. The couple share two daughters – Radhya and Miraya.

Ahana Deol

Ahana, who chose a life away from films, is married to Vaibhav Vohra, a Delhi-based businessman. They have three children – son Darien, and twin daughters Astraia and Adea.

A legacy carried through generations

Dharmendra’s family represents one of Bollywood’s most influential dynasties – a blend of film stars, rising actors, and private individuals choosing lives outside the glare of fame. His sons have continued to uphold his reputation on-screen, while his daughters and grandchildren have followed diverse paths.

As India mourns his passing, his family tree stands as a testament to a life that touched generations – on the big screen and at home. Dharmendra leaves behind not just a cinematic legacy of six decades, but a large, deeply bonded family that now carries his memory forward.

A tribute to a real-life war hero

Ikkis is a biographical war drama that tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration, after his heroic sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, the film blends emotional narrative and action-driven moments to honour Khetarpal’s bravery.

Dharmendra’s final role: a father’s grief

In Ikkis, Dharmendra plays the father of Arun Khetarpal, bringing emotional depth and gravitas to the character. The newly released poster features him uttering a moving line: “Yeh mera bada beta, Arun” (“This is my elder son, Arun”), suggesting a strong bond between father and son.

Release date and production update

The makers recently announced that Ikkis will be released in theatres on 25 December 2025. Filming has already wrapped, with the first-look poster featuring lead actor Agastya Nanda unveiled on 14 October 2025.

What it means for Dharmendra’s legacy

Given his recent passing, Ikkis is expected to resonate deeply with audiences. It is being seen not just as a war film but as a cinematic farewell from a legend. Dharmendra’s dignified portrayal of a grieving father provides a gentle but powerful reminder of his talent and sensitivity.

For the fans: why this matters

For admirers of Dharmendra, Ikkis offers an opportunity to witness his final performance on the big screen. As he shares the narrative with a new generation of actors like Agastya Nanda, the film promises to be a celebration of his courage — both as a cinema icon and as a symbol of resilience and honour.

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.

The news of his demise has left the nation in grief. Fans, colleagues, and leading figures from the film industry have expressed their shock, paying tribute to an actor whose contribution shaped generations of Hindi cinema.

Dharmendra, born Dharmendra Singh Deol, made his debut in 1960 and swiftly rose to superstardom. His effortless ability to shift between tender romance and high-voltage action made him one of the most versatile actors of his time. Over the years, he appeared in more than 300 films, many of which have become timeless classics.

His illustrious career earned him several honours, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, recognising his immense influence on the industry. In 2012, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour. Even in his later years, he continued to captivate audiences. He appeared in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, portraying Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather, and he received warm praise for his role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani. His final on-screen appearance will be in Ikkis, alongside Agastya Nanda, where he once again plays the role of a grandfather.

Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini, his first wife Prakash Kaur, and his children—actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. His absence creates an irreplaceable void, but his films will continue to resonate with audiences for generations.

From the unforgettable Veeru in Sholay to acclaimed performances in Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer, and Pratigya, Dharmendra’s charisma and powerful presence earned him millions of admirers across the world. His legacy, both as an artist and a beloved public figure, will remain etched in the history of Indian cinema.

Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se has Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol in lead roles while Kriti Kharbanda plays Bobby Deol’s love interest. This film directed by Navaniat Singh.