Dharmendra, Bollywood Legend, Dies at 89 — Nation Mourns

Mumbai, India | December 29, 2025

Dharmendra, the towering Bollywood star known as the industry’s “He‑Man,” died on November 24 at age 89. His passing capped a devastating year for Indian cinema in 2025, which also saw the deaths of fellow legends Manoj Kumar (87), B. Saroja Devi (87) and more than 20 other actors, directors, musicians and technicians — losses attributed largely to age‑related illnesses, cancer and cardiac conditions.

Fast Facts

• Dharmendra — died Nov 24, 2025, age 89.
• Manoj Kumar — died April 2025, age 87; Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee.
• B. Saroja Devi — died July 14, 2025, age 87; career spanned seven decades.
• More than 20 prominent figures across Bollywood and regional cinema died in 2025.
• Common causes: age‑related illnesses, cancer and cardiac events.

Actors Who Passed Away in 2025

The film community bid farewell to a generation of screen legends. Besides Dharmendra, veteran actor‑filmmaker Manoj Kumar — beloved for patriotic roles in Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim — died in April at 87. Comedy stalwarts Govardhan Asrani and Satish Shah passed away in October. Television and film faces including Pankaj Dheer, Mukul Dev, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Achyut Potdar were among the many names mourned.

Actresses Remembered

Legendary Kannada and Tamil actress B. Saroja Devi, often honoured as “Abhinaya Saraswati,” died on July 14 at 87 after a seven‑decade career. Popular performer Shefali Jariwala — known for her song Kaanta Laga and reality TV appearances — died in June at 42 from cardiac arrest.

Directors, Producers and Writers

Filmmakers who shaped television and regional cinema were lost as well. Prem Sagar, associated with the Ramayan television legacy, died August 31. Director Partho Ghosh, noted for thrillers like 100 Days, and acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Srinivasan also passed in 2025.

Music and Technical Legends

Music and behind‑the‑camera pioneers were not spared. Assamese singer‑composer Zubeen Garg died September 19 at 52, and veteran cinematographer and New Wave contributor Shaji N. Karun passed away April 28 at 73 — each leaving influential bodies of work across languages.

A Year of Irreplaceable Loss

Industry sources confirm that over 20 prominent figures from Bollywood and regional industries died in 2025. The losses span actors, directors, musicians and technicians whose combined careers shaped storytelling across India for decades.

The Legacy

These artists left landmark works that continue to define Indian cinema. Highlights include:

• Dharmendra — Sholay, Chupke Chupke, lifelong action‑romance leading man who brought mass appeal to Hindi cinema.
• Manoj Kumar — Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, patriotic narratives that became cultural touchstones; Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient.
• B. Saroja Devi — Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum (regional classics), seven decades across Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films.

Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes

Tributes poured in from co‑stars, filmmakers, fan groups and film associations across India. Social media trended with remembrance posts, video montages of career highlights and statements from industry bodies honoring decades of contribution. Regional cinemas also held candlelight vigils and special screenings celebrating their lives and work.

As 2025 closes, the Indian film community is left to mourn and to celebrate a generation whose performances, songs and films will continue to be rediscovered by audiences for years to come.