The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its most beloved icons as veteran actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai on Monday, November 24, 2025. The legendary star was 89 years old and had been battling respiratory issues before his demise.
From Silver Screen to Political Arena
Born in Sahnewal, Punjab, Dharmendra rose from humble beginnings to become Bollywood's celebrated "He-Man," starring in over 300 films across six decades. However, his legacy extends beyond cinema into the political sphere, where he served as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Dharmendra entered electoral politics in 2004, contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan. Despite the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance winning the general elections that year, Dharmendra secured a impressive victory, defeating Congress candidate Rameshwar Lal Dudi by more than one lakh votes.
Parliamentary Tenure and Criticism
During his term as MP from 2004 to 2009, Dharmendra's parliamentary attendance record drew significant criticism. The actor-politician rarely attended Parliament sessions, preferring to focus on his film commitments and spend time at his farmhouse.
Unlike many of his political colleagues, Dharmendra maintained a low profile in parliamentary affairs. However, he sustained his connection with constituents through occasional public engagements and leveraged his continuing cultural influence to maintain political relevance.
After completing his five-year term in 2009, Dharmendra stepped back from active electoral politics but maintained informal ties with the BJP. His political legacy continued through his family, with his wife Hema Malini currently serving as BJP MP from Mathura for her third consecutive term since 2014, and son Sunny Deol having represented Gurdaspur in Punjab between 2019 and 2024.
Controversial Election Remarks
Dharmendra's political journey wasn't without controversy. During the 2004 election campaign, the actor made headlines with his unusual suggestion that voters should elect him as a "dictator" to enforce moral discipline and improve society.
The comment sparked immediate backlash from opposition parties and civil society groups, who criticized the undemocratic sentiment. Dharmendra later clarified that his statement was meant as a joke and shouldn't be taken literally, though the remark remained a memorable moment in his political career.
As India remembers the beloved actor, his dual legacy in both entertainment and politics remains a testament to his multifaceted personality and enduring impact on Indian public life.
