Dharmendra’s Legacy: A Rs 450 Crore Empire and the Emotional Gift of His Ancestral Land

The passing of veteran superstar Dharmendra on November 24, 2025, sent waves of grief across India, marking the end of an era in Bollywood. In the days following his departure, the spotlight has turned not only to his cinematic legacy but also to the substantial material one he left behind—and the emotionally charged decisions that pre-dated his will.

The Estate: A Rs 450 Crore Inheritance

Dharmendra, born Dharm Singh Deol, amassed a fortune estimated at over Rs 450 crore through his six-decade-long career in films and astute investments. As the patriarch of a large, blended family, the natural question arose: how would this legacy be divided?

The family includes his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and their four children—Sunny, Bobby, Ajeita, and Vijeta—and his second wife, Hema Malini, and their two daughters, Esha and Ahana. A source close to the Deol family has sought to quell any speculation of discord, stating that Sunny Deol has assured that Esha and Ahana will receive their full share. The source emphasized Dharmendra’s lifelong wish for all his children to be treated fairly, suggesting a smooth and dispute-free settlement is expected.

The Ancestral Heart: A Rs 5 Crore Promise Fulfilled

However, a significant and poignant part of Dharmendra’s assets was settled years ago, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to his origins. His ancestral property in Dango village, near Ludhiana, Punjab—valued at approximately Rs 5 crore—does not belong to any of his six children.

This decision was driven by sentiment, not finance. Dharmendra was born in Nasrali and spent his earliest years in the simple mud-brick home in Dango, a place that remained his emotional touchstone. Even after achieving superstardom in Mumbai, he frequently visited, including during the shooting of his 2013 film “Singh Saab The Great.”

Understanding that the land had been lovingly maintained for decades by relatives who stayed behind, Dharmendra chose to honor a promise and a relationship. He legally gifted the nearly 2.5-acre property to his uncle’s grandsons—his nephews—who had cared for it. One of the primary beneficiaries is Boot Singh, who continues to work at a textile mill in Ludhiana.

A family member clarified the actor’s mindset: “For Dharmendra-ji, this was never about crore of rupees. It was about mitti (soil) and yaadein (memories). He wanted it to be with those who lived on and tended to it, fulfilling a silent promise to his roots.”

Family Dynamics and Legal Nuances

The absence of Hema Malini and her daughters from Dharmendra’s final rites and prayer meet at his Mumbai residence—the home he shared with his first family—highlighted the complex personal dynamics. Reports suggest she never visited this residence during their 45-year marriage, which also meant she could not be with him in his final moments.

This separation brings potential legal dimensions to the inheritance. Legal experts point out that since Dharmendra’s first marriage to Prakash Kaur was never legally dissolved under Hindu law, his marriage to Hema Malini may not be considered legally valid. This could potentially affect her direct claim to his estate as a spouse. Nonetheless, all six of his children, regardless of their mother, have equal legal rights to his property as legitimate heirs.

A Legacy Beyond Wealth

Dharmendra’s legacy is a tapestry of monumental stardom and deeply personal choices. His decision regarding the Punjab property reveals a man who valued emotional bonds and familial duty as much as his cinematic achievements. He ensured his wealth would provide for his children’s future while personally safeguarding the past for those who preserved it.

In death, as in life, “He-Man” demonstrated a unique blend of strength and tenderness, leaving behind not just a fortune, but a powerful lesson in honoring one’s roots and navigating complex family landscapes with grace.

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