Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra Krishan Deol passed away on Monday in Mumbai at the age of 89, bringing to a close a remarkable six-decade career that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes on his X handle, describing Dharmendra’s death as “the end of an era.”
Born on December 8, 1935, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Dharmendra rose from humble beginnings to become one of Bollywood’s most admired stars. He made his film debut in 1960 and achieved his breakthrough with Bimal Roy’s Bandini in 1963. Over the years, he appeared in more than 300 films, earning acclaim for his versatility in romance, action, comedy, and drama.
Dharmendra is best remembered for his role as Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay and for his on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini, whom he married in 1980. Other notable films in his illustrious career include Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Chupke Chupke.
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Nicknamed Bollywood’s “original He-Man,” Dharmendra was widely admired not only for his performances but also for his enduring charm and charisma. Despite never topping box-office charts, he remained one of the industry’s most respected and beloved figures.
In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, Dharmendra received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
His passing has left a profound void in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike, marking the end of an era in Bollywood history.