Dharmendra Death – Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic stars, passed away on 24 November 2025, leaving the entire Bollywood industry and millions of fans in deep sorrow. Even though the beloved actor is no longer among us, his towering screen presence and unforgettable legacy continue to shine brighter than ever. His journey was not just about fame and stardom—Dharmendra’s real life had twists, struggles, and emotional turns that felt straight out of a film script.

Below is a heartfelt look at some lesser-known stories from his extraordinary life.

From a Small Village to the Heart of Bollywood

Dharmendra grew up in a small village in Punjab. With no acting background and no industry connections, his only motivation was a burning passion for cinema. His life changed unexpectedly when he clicked a photo with his father’s camera and submitted it to a talent search contest. That one photograph became his ticket to Mumbai.

In a city where thousands auditioned, Dharmendra was the only one selected—a fact he often said still felt unbelievable to him.

He Took Real Injuries for Real Performances

In an era when body doubles were uncommon, Dharmendra believed audiences deserved authenticity. He insisted on performing his own action scenes, even when they were risky. From Sholay to Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Dharam Veer, he executed stunts himself.

It is said that during the shoot of Dharam Veer, he jumped from a height of nearly 40 feet to make the shot look real. The injuries he suffered never changed his belief: “People buy tickets for truth. Give them truth,” he often said.

Why Everyone on Set Called Him ‘Dharam Paaji’

Despite superstardom, Dharmendra was known for his simplicity and warmth. He treated everyone—from spot boys to directors—with equal respect. His grounded nature earned him the affectionate title “Dharam Paaji,” a name that reflected the industry’s love for him.

Many in Bollywood still say that a pure-hearted, humble star like Dharmendra may never be seen again.

The First Spark: Meeting Hema Malini

Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s love story was unlike any other. It’s said that the moment he first saw her, he was mesmerised. Neither of them imagined that they would one day share a life. Their friendship slowly turned into love, and Hema later said she admired Dharmendra for his calm, caring nature—a quality that made her feel safe with him.

The Fear He Hid All His Life

Very few people knew that Dharmendra had an intense fear of heights. Still, he performed countless high-altitude stunts, never letting his fear interfere with his work. “Everyone feels fear,” he once said, “but don’t run from it. Stand for your work.”

His Bond with His First Wife, Prakash Kaur

Born into a family with strong traditional values, Dharmendra never divorced his first wife, Prakash Kaur. He maintained dignity, respect, and responsibility toward both families. Prakash Kaur herself once said that Dharmendra was never a two-faced man—he stood by his children and fulfilled every duty without fail.

The Day He Quit Alcohol for His Family

Dharmendra openly admitted that he once depended heavily on alcohol during some of the most challenging phases of his life. But when he realised that it was hurting his family and affecting his career, he decided to quit. Close friends said he made this decision not for himself, but entirely for his loved ones.

Dharmendra’s legacy lives on—not just through his films, but through the stories of courage, humility, and love that defined his extraordinary life.