Veteran actor Dharmendra passes away at 89 after battling health issues

When you think of Dharmendra, you probably picture his charismatic smile, his effortless style, or his unforgettable role as Veeru in Sholay. But beyond the spotlight and the stardom, he was a man first — a devoted father, a family pillar, and a Bollywood icon whose life touched millions. On 24 November 2025, at the age of 89, Bollywood’s beloved “He-Man” quietly took his final bow, leaving behind a legacy that will live forever.

His health struggles

In his last months, Dharmendra’s health became a concern for fans and family alike. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing respiratory difficulties and breathlessness. Reports suggest he was placed on ventilator support at one point.


The actor had previously been hospitalized for check-ups and ailments like muscle strain and back pain—nothing out of the ordinary for someone with such a large body of work and long years in the industry.

A few months ago, he underwent a corneal transplant (also called an eye graft) after his left eye’s cornea was damaged and had turned cloudy. What does a corneal transplant really mean? Doctors replace the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue to restore vision—or at least stop pain and blurriness.

Spotted with a bandage, Dharam-ji was all smiles when interacting with the paparazzi, saying in his trademark style, “Abhi bhi bohut damm hai… Mere aankh mein graft hua hai.” (“I still have a lot of strength… I had a graft in my eye.”)

On the night of 31 October 2025, Dharmendra was rushed to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after suddenly experiencing serious breathing difficulties. The news immediately sparked concern among fans, especially given his age and recent health patches. Inside the hospital, doctors placed him under close observation in the ICU for a while, checking all vital signs and ensuring his lungs and breathing were stable. On 12 November 2025 the family confirmed that Dharmendra had been discharged and would continue his recovery at home.

Roots, humility & family first

For all his larger-than-life reel persona, off-screen Dharmendra remained refreshingly real. Born in 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, he never let fame erase his roots. He worked his way up from modest beginnings, always remembering where he came from. That humility became a core value for his family and something his children and grandchildren saw and respected.