Dharmendra, celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most iconic and beloved actors, passed away at his residence in Mumbai on Monday, as reported by IANS. The legendary star, affectionately known as Indian cinema’s ‘He-Man,’ had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital earlier but was discharged two weeks ago for home care. He was set to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8.
Initially, rumours of his passing had circulated, prompting his family to strongly deny the false reports. Dharmendra’s legacy in Indian cinema is unparalleled, and in 2012, he was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the film industry.
Dharmendra made his cinematic debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.’ His breakthrough came in the mid-1960s with films like ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela,’ ‘Phool Aur Patthar,’ and ‘Aaye Din Bahar Ke,’ establishing him as a leading actor in the industry.
Over the following decades, Dharmendra became one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, starring in a series of iconic films throughout the 1960s to the 1980s, including ‘Ankhen,’ ‘Shikar,’ ‘Jeevan Mrityu’, ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh,’ ‘Seeta Aur Geeta,’ ‘Raja Jani,’ ‘Jugnu,’ ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat,’ ‘Sholay,’ ‘Pratiggya,’ ‘Charas,’ ‘Dharam Veer,’ ‘Chacha Bhatija,’ ‘Ghulami,’ ‘Hukumat,’ ‘Aag Hi Aag,’ ‘Elaan-E-Jung,’ ‘Tahalka,’ ‘Anpadh,’ ‘Bandini,’ ‘Haqeeqat,’ ‘Anupama,’ ‘Mamta,’ ‘Majhli Didi,’ ‘Satyakam,’ ‘Naya Zamana,’ ‘Samadhi,’ ‘Resham Ki Dori,’ ‘Chupke Chupke,’ ‘Dillagi,’ ‘The Burning Train,’ ‘Ghazab,’ ‘Do Dishayen,’ and ‘Hathyar.’
In the late 1990s, Dharmendra transitioned to character roles, bringing his charm and versatility to films like ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya,’ ‘Life in a… Metro,’ ‘Apne,’ ‘Johnny Gaddaar,’ ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana,’ ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ and ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,’ among others.
Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable, and his death marks the end of an era in Bollywood. He will be remembered for his powerful screen presence, versatility, and his timeless appeal as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian film.
The actor is survived by two wives – Prakash Kaur and actor Hema Malini. Of his six children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol are part of the film industry.