Bollywood icon Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man,” has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that spanned more than six decades.
While his death earlier today (November 24) has been met with an outpouring of grief across India and beyond, the city of Leicester is reflecting on a special chapter of his life — his visit here in 2012.
Picture credit: University of Leicester
Back in September 2012, Dharmendra Deol travelled to Leicester, together with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, to shoot scenes for the Bollywood sequel Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. The production filmed at several local landmarks, including University of Leicester, New Walk Museum, and Stanford Hall in Lutterworth.
The visit wasn’t just about the film. While in Leicester, Dharmendra and his son Sunny Deol teamed up with Leicestershire Police and the Fire & Rescue Service to record crime prevention and fire safety messages aimed at the local community, especially around the time of Diwali.
Local media at the time captured the excitement — as Pukaar News reported, Leicester residents were thrilled by the visit, with some even cast as extras in the film.
One volunteer reflected on Dharmendra’s humility: “People wanted to touch his feet … everyone felt so humbled by him.”
Cllr Rani Mahal had the pleasure of meeing him in the University of Leicester’s Botanic Gardens.
“He came across as a very humble man – very down to earth,” she told the Leicester Times. “It was a lovely moment and a lovely memory – quite surreal really to have a star like that amongst us.
“I grew up watching his films and in fact he’s probably one of my first heroes. A great talent who will be greatly missed.”
Picture credit: Cllr Rani Mahal posing with a motorbike from the film
For many in Leicester, the 2012 production wasn’t just a movie shoot — it was a moment of pride. The city’s vibrant South Asian community saw Dharmendra’s visit as recognition on a global stage.
Students at the University of Leicester also benefitted: the film crew invited them to gain hands-on experience in filmmaking.
Dharmendra’s death, reported after a brief illness, has triggered tributes from across the world. Political leaders, film stars, and fans have called the loss “the end of an era.”
Musician Gurcharan Mall met him in 1991.
Picture credit: Gurcharan Mall
“His legacy of six decades of iconic performance will forever live on,” he said in a tribute. “What a great wonderful gentleman that can’t be replaced. Rest in peace our hero.”
Daljit Neer, a Punjabi folk singer from Leicester, also had the opportunity to meet him and his two sons at a private gathering at a friend’s house. He also had the chance to sing a few songs for him.
Neer described him as a very down-to-earth and humble person. “I always like him and watching Bollywood films will always live in my memories,” he said.
“A great loss for Bollywood – no one can replace him!”
Steve White MBE met Dharmendra face to face twice whilst filming at the University of Leicester.
“I am sad to hear of his passing – his mark on Bollywood is beyond real,” he said. “When I met him in Leicester he genuinely seemed so pleased to be here, with Sunny’s wife being from Rutland and I believe two of his grandchildren being born here. I would like to convey my deepest condolences to his family.”
