Bollywood actor and former politician Dharmendra, whose career spanned more than six decades and more than 300 films, has been described as a “legend of Indian cinema” after his death at the age of 89.
While his family has yet to confirm news of his passing, film director and producer Karan Johar, who is close to them, posted an obituary on Monday calling it “the end of an era”. Dharmendra was admitted to a Mumbai hospital earlier this month.
“Today there is a gaping hole in our industry, a space that can never be filled by anyone,” Johar posted on Instagram. “The embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema, incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence, he is and will always be a bona fide Legend of Indian Cinema.
“We love you kind sir. We will miss you so much. The heavens are blessed today. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you.”
Indian media also shared photos of Malini and daughter Esha Deol as well as a number of Bollywood actors arriving at a Mumbai crematorium, dressed in white, the colour traditionally worn for mourning in Hindu funerals.
Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, his son and actor Abhishek Bachchan, actor Salman Khan and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur were among stars photographed at the Vile Parle Crematorium on Monday afternoon.
One of Indian cinema’s original superstars, Dharmendra was celebrated for his matinee-idol looks, humility and versatility. He became one of the most commercially successful actors of his time, starring in enduring blockbusters such as Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Chupke Chupke (1975) and Sholay (1975).
Tributes have been rolling in from across the industry. Actress Kajol, who posted a photo of the actor with her son Yug, 15, posted on Instagram: “The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it. Somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always. RIP Dharamji … with love always.”
Kajol’s husband, actor and producer Ajay Devgn, called Dharmendra “a legend”.
“His warmth, generosity and presence inspired generations of artists,” he wrote. “We’ve lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema.”
Actor and director Farhan Akhtar called him “irreplaceable”.
“Thank you for six decades of entertainment,” he said. “We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen.”
Actress Raveena Tandon posted with a broken heart emoji: “Handsomest man on the silver screen with a golden heart.”
Born in Punjab on December 8, 1935, Dharmendra moved to Mumbai in the 1950s to pursue acting. He made his screen debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), but it was Shola Aur Shabnam (1961) that brought him his first commercial success. A string of hits followed – from Anpadh (1962) and Bandini (1963) to Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), in which he played a rare antagonist. The 1966 drama Phool Aur Patthar, a major box-office hit, firmly established his star status.
The 1970s cemented Dharmendra’s legend, marking both his peak as a leading man and the beginning of his celebrated on-screen partnership with Hema Malini – a pairing that would eventually lead to marriage.
Their relationship drew controversy at the time, as Dharmendra was already married with four children, but their chemistry proved irresistible to audiences. The couple appeared together in 31 films, including Jeevan Mrityu and Sharafat (both 1970) and Dost (1974). Their most well-known collaboration, Sholay (1975), remains one of India’s most beloved films, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and Sanjeev Kumar.
Dharmendra continued acting throughout his life, often sharing the screen with his sons, actors Sunny and Bobby Deol, from his first marriage. Their 2011 comedy Yamla Pagla Deewana spawned two sequels. He also appeared in Tell Me O Khuda (2011), directed by Hema Malini and featuring their daughter Esha Deol. The couple’s younger daughter, Ahana Deol, also briefly pursued acting.
Outside films, Dharmendra served one term as a Member of Parliament representing the Bharatiya Janata Party, though he was often criticised for his limited attendance in Parliament, preferring to focus on his film career.
He also founded Vijayta Films in 1983, a production house that launched several successful projects, and later appeared as a judge on India’s Got Talent in 2011.
When asked what sustained him after decades in the spotlight, Dharmendra told The Asian Age in 2016: “I am a simple man with simple needs. What keeps me going is not fame, fortune or success but the love of the people.”
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Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord’s
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Vaccine Progress in the Middle EastKey findings of Jenkins report
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, “accepted the political utility of violence”
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: “The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism.”
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
– 5 wins in 22 months as pro
– Three wins in past 10 starts
– 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
– Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
– 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsSweet%20Tooth
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Company profile
Name: Tratok Portal
Founded: 2017
Based: UAE
Sector: Travel & tourism
Size: 36 employees
Funding: Privately funded
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour