The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved icons, Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89. Known affectionately as the He-Man of Indian cinema, his death has left fans and colleagues across generations in deep sorrow.
A Final Visit and Family's Dedication
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna recently shared poignant details about Dharmendra's final days in a heartfelt video message on his YouTube channel. Khanna revealed that he visited the Deol residence just five to six days before the legendary actor's passing, shortly after Dharmendra had been brought home from the hospital.
"They had set up an ICU-like arrangement inside the house itself," Khanna recalled. "I knew I wouldn't be able to meet him properly, but I still felt it was important to go." During this emotional visit, Khanna met with Sunny and Bobby Deol, offering them words of comfort and strength.
"I told them, 'He is very strong. He will come out of this... he will get through this problem,'" Khanna shared. "But in the end, whatever God wills is what happens." He described Dharmendra's passing as an act of destiny, noting that many were shocked because everyone believed the veteran actor's strength would see him through.
Remembering a Beautiful Soul
Mukesh Khanna remembered his colleague as a man whose exceptional warmth and humility remained constant throughout his life and career. "I have many memories with him—also from Tahalka," Khanna said, referring to their work together. "His simplicity and humility were his biggest strengths."
Even during his final months when he wasn't feeling well, Khanna noted that Dharmendra's face "still shone with positivity." He emphasized that while great actors come and go, Dharmendra's humanity made him truly irreplaceable in the film industry.
"I won't say he was the greatest actor, but he was one of the greatest human beings," Khanna stated. "The extent to which he made people feel comfortable... very few actors can do that."
Bobby Deol's Revealing Anecdote
Khanna then shared a touching story narrated to him by Bobby Deol that perfectly illustrates Dharmendra's unmatched openness and warmth. Bobby described how their family home was always accessible to visitors, particularly people from Punjab who wanted to meet "Dharam paaji."
"Bobby told me that once, at their bungalow, he stepped out of his room on the second floor and found a stranger roaming around," Khanna recounted. When Bobby asked the man who he was, the visitor responded, "We've come from Punjab, sir. We want to meet Dharam paaji."
Rather than being alarmed, Bobby simply directed the man to come downstairs. Khanna highlighted how extraordinary this level of accessibility was, especially compared to contemporary stars who rely heavily on security personnel.
"Who today allows someone to enter the compound without security?" Khanna wondered aloud. "This man had reached the second floor! Bobby told me, 'My father always kept the house open. So many people from Punjab would come. He let everyone enter, meet him, have tea, and leave.'"
The Original Action Hero
Khanna also reflected on Dharmendra's distinctive screen presence and acting style that set him apart from his contemporaries. He had a rugged, athletic look that was different from other actors of that era, combined with a natural simplicity that audiences found irresistible.
"Dharam ji danced like a man—with a raw, masculine charm," Khanna observed. "And when he performed action, it looked real. Today's superstars fight on wires. Dharam ji's punch felt like a real punch."
He further noted that Sunny Deol's iconic "dhai kilo ka haath" inherited its power from his father. "That raw, effortless strength came from Dharam ji," Khanna said, acknowledging the legacy that continues through the next generation.
Bollywood Pays Final Respects
The film industry gathered on Thursday to honor Dharmendra at his "Celebration of Life" prayer meet held at Taj Lands End in Bandra. The event saw attendance from numerous Bollywood luminaries including Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar, Rekha, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, and Suniel Shetty.
Sunny and Bobby Deol, along with Dharmendra's first family—including daughters Ajeeta and Vijeta, grandsons Karan and Rajveer, and nephew Abhay Deol—stood visibly emotional throughout the ceremony. Notably absent were Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahaana Deol.
Other prominent figures from the industry who attended included Mukesh Khanna, Subhash Ghai, Sidharth Malhotra, Ameesha Patel, Fardeen Khan, and director duo Abbas-Mastan. The gathering served as a testament to the profound impact Dharmendra had on Indian cinema and the countless lives he touched during his remarkable career.
