Dharmendra Passes Away At 89: A Timeless Legend Whose Work Rose Above Awards

On November 24, 2025, Bollywood icon Dharmendra passed away. The actor altered our perception of Hindi cinema. From black and white to colour, the actor’s talent and handsome looks enthralled everyone. If Amitabh Bachchan rose to fame with his Angry Man persona, the Sholay actor left an impression with his rugged, handsome, and tender looks. He became a star without even trying to be one. The camera simply liked him, and people liked watching on the big screen.

In the year 1960, Dharmendra made his debut with the film Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere. After that, his performances as a leading hero captivated audiences for nearly three decades. The actor went on to star in several wonderful films, like Satyakam, Bandini, Naya Zamana, Sholay, Mera Gaon, Mera Desh, Shikar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Chupke Chupke, and many more.

In his career spanning at least 6 decades, Dharmendra has been a part of more than 300 movies. He didn’t win an award in the “Best Actor” category, despite the fact that both the movie industry and the public adored him and his work. Yes, the man cited as the ‘most handsome man’ or the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood received no award in the ‘Best Actor’ category.

In 1997, the Phool Aur Patthar actor addressed his disappointment while receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 42nd Filmfare Awards. He revealed how he would stitch a new suit with a matching tie for every award show but never got an award. The late actor had said, “It’s been 37 years since I started working,” he said. “Every year, I used to stitch a new suit and find matching ties, hoping I would get an award, but I never got one.”

“Mera silver, golden jubilee sab hua, but I did not get an award. Then after a few years, I gave up. I decided that I would attend the function wearing a T-shirt and shorts, ya kachcha pehen ke chala jaaunga,” added the Sholay star.

Furthermore, Dharmendra has received Lifetime Achievement Awards multiple times in 1997, 2003 (Sansui Viewers’ Choice Movie Awards), 2005 (Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement), 2007 (DBR Entertainment and IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award) and more. The Government of India bestowed the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, on the He-Man of Bollywood in 2012.

The legendary actor’s passing away has shaken the nation, and tributes are pouring all over social media from fans and even PM Narendra Modi. On X, Modi wrote, “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.”

Even though Dharmendra is no more, his legacy goes on. He left behind an impeccable work of cinema for his fans and admirers to celebrate. While the legend is no more, the audience can still get a glimpse of him on the big screen this year with the movie Ikkis, which is all slated to release in theatres on December 25, 2025.