Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, beloved by generations of cinema lovers, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, saying the actor’s demise “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema”.
Known for his simplicity, warmth, and extraordinary screen presence, Dharmendra appeared in over 300 films. His portrayal of Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay remains one of Indian cinema’s most iconic performances. His songs frequently topped the charts, and his much-celebrated romance and marriage with actress Hema Malini captivated the nation.
Often called Bollywood’s “original He-Man” and “Garam Dharam”, Dharmendra’s good looks won him admiration globally. Stars like Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan, and Jaya Bachchan repeatedly praised his striking screen presence, calling him “one of the most handsome” and “a Greek God”.
Born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village, Punjab, as Dharam Singh Deol, he grew up in a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family. Though his father wished him to focus on studies, Dharmendra’s love for films began early. “I felt like I belonged to that world,” he once said in a BBC interview.
His journey from a small village to the heights of stardom remains one of Bollywood’s most inspiring stories.