Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, affectionately known as the "He-Man of Bollywood" and "Dharam Paaji," passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, at his residence in Mumbai. The legendary actor, who had been unwell for some time, leaves behind an unmatched cinematic legacy spanning over six decades and a massive personal fortune built on hard work and strategic investments.
A Fortune Forged from ₹51
Dharmendra's journey is a quintessential rags-to-riches Bollywood story. His career began from the humblest of beginnings and culminated in an empire worth hundreds of crores.
- First Salary: The actor famously received a mere ₹51 for his debut film, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960). This token amount, paid by the film's three producers who each contributed ₹17, has often been cited by the actor as his "lucky money."
- Net Worth: Through a prolific career that saw him star in over 300 films, from romantic hero roles in the 60s to action king status in the 70s (Sholay, Dharam Veer), his financial growth was staggering. His personal net worth is estimated to be between ₹335 crore and ₹450 crore (approximately $40 million to $54 million).
Also Read: Veteran Actor Dharmendra Passes Away At 89 In Mumbai
The Empire Beyond Cinema
Dharmendra's wealth extended far beyond his acting fees, thanks to his passion projects and shrewd investments in real estate and hospitality.
| Asset Class | Key Details |
| Lonavala Farmhouse | The crown jewel of his assets is a sprawling 100-acre farmhouse in the serene hill station of Lonavala, Maharashtra. The property, reportedly worth several crores, was his sanctuary and a reflection of his enduring love for nature. |
| Real Estate | He owned multiple residential properties in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, valued at over ₹17 crore, alongside significant agricultural and non-agricultural land holdings. |
| Business Ventures | He successfully branched out into the hospitality sector with the popular restaurant chains 'Garam Dharam Dhaba' and 'He-Man Dhaba' on the Karnal Highway. |
| Production House | He founded the production banner Vijayta Films, which launched the careers of his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, with films like Betaab and Barsaat. |
| Luxury Cars | The actor possessed a collection of luxury and vintage cars, including a classic 1960 Fiat, a Range Rover Evoque, and a Mercedes-Benz SL500. |
The combined wealth of the entire Deol family, including his actor sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, is estimated to exceed ₹1,000 crore.
