Dharmendra: The ‘He-Man’ MP Who Won Bikaner, Faced ‘Missing’ Posters, and Left Politics Forever

New Delhi:
Bollywood’s legendary ‘He-Man,’ Dharmendra, passed away at the age of 89 on November 24, 2025. While he won hearts across generations with his films, few know about his brief yet intriguing political journey in Rajasthan.

A Glimpse into Dharmendra’s Political Career

Dharmendra began his political journey in Bikaner, Rajasthan, serving as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2004, he contested elections from the Bikaner constituency and defeated Congress candidate Rameshwar Lal Dudi by a significant margin. Despite this initial success, Dharmendra chose to distance himself from politics soon after and never contested elections again.

The 2004 Victory in Bikaner

In 2004, Dharmendra entered politics on a BJP ticket and secured a decisive win against Rameshwar Lal Dudi, with a margin of 57,000 votes. His sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, actively campaigned for him, contributing to his landslide victory.

However, the win came with its challenges. Just a year after becoming an MP, ‘Missing’ posters of Dharmendra appeared across Bikaner. This unusual protest reflected his limited presence in the constituency, as the actor reportedly did not visit for an entire year.

Restoring Sursagar and Connecting with the People

Soon after, Dharmendra returned to Bikaner, staying at the Circuit House without security to hear local grievances. He played a pivotal role in restoring the city’s famous Sursagar Lake. Dharmendra liaised with then-Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and approached the central government to secure funding when the state budget fell short. Despite his efforts, credit for the restoration largely went to Raje, leaving some public resentment toward Dharmendra.

Exit from Politics

After completing his five-year term, Dharmendra chose not to contest the 2009 elections and permanently returned to Mumbai. His wife, Hema Malini, continues her political career as an MP from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, and his son, Sunny Deol, also served as an MP from Gurdaspur, Punjab. Dharmendra had once stated that politics was not the right place for him, explaining his decision to step away.

Though his political career was brief, it remains a fascinating chapter in the life of one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.

Palaash Muchhal, Smriti Mandhana’s Groom-to-Be, Discharged After Brief Hospitalisation

New Delhi: Filmmaker Palaash Muchhal was admitted to a private hospital just hours after his wedding to cricketer Smriti Mandhana was postponed. Reports suggest that Palaash was hospitalised due to a viral infection and severe acidity. He has since been discharged and returned to his hotel. An official statement from Palaash’s family is awaited.

For context, Palaash and Smriti were set to marry on Sunday, November 23. The wedding was postponed following the sudden hospitalisation of Smriti’s father.

The wedding, originally planned in Sangli, Maharashtra, was put on hold after Smriti’s father’s health deteriorated. Mandhana’s manager, Tuhin Mishra, confirmed, “This morning, while having breakfast, Smriti’s father’s health worsened. Initially, we hoped he would feel better, but when his condition declined further, we called an ambulance and admitted him to the hospital. He is now under observation.”

He added, “Smriti is very close to her father. She has decided that the marriage will be indefinitely postponed until he recovers. Her father is under medical supervision, and the doctors have advised that he remain in the hospital until fully well. Smriti wants to see her father healthy before moving ahead with the wedding.”

Despite the postponement, the couple’s pre-wedding festivities had been in full swing, with several glimpses shared from their haldi, mehendi, and sangeet ceremonies.

Palaash had earlier described the wedding as an intimate affair. “Yes, it’s an afternoon wedding. We haven’t invited too many people, just our close ones—about 70 guests from my side and 70 from hers. There is no reception planned; only a small get-together with a few guests from the political and cricketing world. It’s going to be a close-knit celebration,” he said.

A new wedding date will likely be announced once Smriti’s father fully recovers.

Harman Sidhu, Punjabi Singer, Dies in Tragic Road Accident at 37

New Delhi: Punjabi singer Harman Sidhu tragically lost his life in a road accident on Saturday in Khyala village, Mansa district. He was 37 years old.

According to PTC News, the accident occurred on the Mansa-Patiala road when Sidhu’s car collided with a truck. The impact was so severe that the car was completely damaged, and he died on the spot.

A Life and Career Remembered
Harman Sidhu’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through his fans and the Punjabi music industry. He gained fame with the hit song “Paper Te Pyaar”, a popular duet with Miss Pooja. Sidhu was known for his soulful lyrics that often reflected family bonds and social themes, earning him a dedicated following among Gen Z listeners.

Sidhu leaves behind a widowed wife and a young daughter. His father passed away just a year and a half ago, and Sidhu was the only son in his family. According to his family, he was returning home after shooting for his upcoming songs. He had plans to release two new tracks by the end of 2025.

Punjabi Music Industry Faces Tragic Losses in 2025
The Punjabi music scene has been rocked by several untimely deaths this year. Before Harman Sidhu, singers Rajvir Jawanda and Gurmeet Maan also passed away. Gurmeet Maan, a celebrated folk singer, died of heart complications on October 10, 2025, while Rajvir Jawanda tragically lost his life in a road accident on October 8, 2025.

Harman Sidhu’s untimely demise marks another sorrowful moment for Punjabi music fans worldwide, leaving behind a legacy of memorable songs and heartfelt performances.