Dharmendra, the He-Man of Indian cinema, passes away at 89

Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the He-Man of Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai. The veteran star, whose career spanned more than six decades, breathed his last on November 24, just days before his 90th birthday on December 8, 2025.

Karan Johar confirmed the demise of veteran actor Dharmendra with an emotional tribute on Instagram. The caption read, "It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history…"

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Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab in 1935, the actor entered the Hindi film industry in the early 1960s and soon became one of its most admired heroes. With his magnetic screen presence, striking looks, and effortless acting, Dharmendra redefined the image of a Hindi film hero. His versatility made him a rare star who could seamlessly fit into romance, comedy, and action with equal ease.

His career is filled with unforgettable films. His portrayal of Veeru in Sholay remains one of Indian cinema’s most iconic performances. From Phool Aur Patthar, which earned him the ‘He-Man’ title, to Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Dharam Veer, he gave audiences a range of characters to remember. Whether as the intense lover or the comic hero, he carried warmth and strength that became his signature.

His movie Ikkis was going to be released on Christmas, where Dharmendra is playing the role of the father of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films Ikkis is an untold true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee - Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal directed by Sriram Raghavan.

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Dharmendra in Advertisements: A Timeless Charm

Even beyond cinema, Dharmendra’s charm made him a familiar face in the world of advertising. From the 1970s to the 2010s, brands tapped into his trustworthy image and mass connect to reach every corner of India. Here are some of his most memorable campaigns that highlight how his persona transcended the big screen.

One of his earliest and most iconic commercials was for Rajdoot Motorcycles. The ad opens with Dharmendra riding a gleaming red Rajdoot down a dusty village road. With his trademark confidence, he declares that in the motorcycle segment, there’s no match for Rajdoot. Another man rides past carrying a heavy load, and Dharmendra points to him, saying the bike is so strong it can take on any weight. The ad ends with a fan approaching him for an autograph—an image that perfectly captures his blend of stardom and relatability.

In a more recent collaboration, Dharmendra appeared in NECC’s (National Egg Coordination Committee) campaign alongside actor Parul Gulati. The ad played on everyday humor to promote eggs as an essential part of Indian breakfasts. Dharmendra’s cheerful delivery of the line “Ande khao…” and his playful demand for “10 ande” made the campaign memorable for its simplicity and warmth.

Another standout campaign was his Ford Tractor advertisement, still fondly remembered for its raw, desi swagger. The ad didn’t rely on high-end visuals but on Dharmendra’s screen charisma. Standing beside a shining Ford tractor on a village road, he delivered the unforgettable line, “Jo Ford mein hai, woh auron mein kahan.” That single sentence carried pride, confidence, and emotion—resonating deeply with India’s farming community.

Dharmendra’s endorsement of Sona Chandi Kesar Chyawanprash for Emami in 2005 was another strong brand fit. With his “He-Man” image and loyal fan base, the brand aimed to bring year-round visibility and trust to the chyawanprash segment. His association added credibility to the product, drawing on his reputation for strength and reliability.

The actor also fronted the famous Bagpiper Club Soda campaign with the tagline, “Khoob jamega rang, jab mil baithenge teen yaar – aap, main aur Bagpiper.” It cleverly used the soda variant to advertise the brand while evoking camaraderie and celebration.

In 2006, he became the face of Shriram Transport Finance Company, a brand that found resonance in his image of dependability. The campaign targeted truck owners and drivers, a segment that related strongly to Dharmendra’s earthy charm and reliability.

In later years, Dharmendra endorsed Qwick E Rickshaw Batteries, adding credibility to a relatively new power-backup brand in 2013. Two years later, he was named the brand ambassador for Haryana Tourism alongside Hema Malini, reinforcing his enduring relevance and ability to connect with audiences across generations.

Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era. His influence went beyond films and advertisements, he symbolised strength, charm, and authenticity that few could replicate. In an industry that constantly evolves, he remains timeless.

His legacy will live on through his films, his family, and the millions of fans who grew up admiring the man who taught generations what true stardom looks like.