Dharmendra, one of the most enduring stars of India’s Bollywood cinema, has died at the age of 89.
Born Dharam Singh Deol, but later known as Dharmendra, he rose to fame in the 1960s and became one of the most celebrated and popular stars of Indian cinema in a career that spanned six decades.
India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, was among those who paid tribute to Dharmendra after it was announced he had died at home in Mumbai on Monday morning.
Modi said that his death marked the end of an era in Indian cinema. “He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people,” Modi said on X.
Often called Bollywood’s “He-Man” in reference to his muscular physique, handsome looks and rugged charm, Dharmendra was known for his versatility in roles that spanned genres, from comedy and action to emotional dramas and, later, a focus on character roles.
Crowds gather around cars leaving Dharmendra’s funeral in Mumbai on Monday. Photograph: Divyakant Solanki/EPA
He was particularly loved for his role as in the 1975 Indian western, Sholay, where he and another popular actor, Amitabh Bachchan, played a pair of lovable, small time criminals, in what is still one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen friendships.
Dharmendra came from a simple, agrarian background. He was born in a village in rural Punjab and his father was a schoolteacher. His break into film came in 1960 when he won a film talent contest and went alone to Mumbai, the heart of Indian cinema.
With his oft-remarked upon good looks, he soon established himself as the go-to romantic hero of Bollywood. He made his break with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, and was known to inspire fervour among his many devoted fans.
Dharmendra starred in more than 300 films and also dabbled in politics, becoming an MP for the ruling Bharatiya Janata party from 2004 to 2009. He continued to act throughout his term and was rarely seen in parliament.
Fans in Mumbai mourn the news of Dharmendra’s death. Photograph: Divyakant Solanki/EPA
His off-screen life was also a source of endless fascination and his family became something of a Bollywood dynasty. Dharmendra had four children with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, two of whom became Bollywood stars. But his electric on-screen chemistry with the actor Hema Malini resulted in his leaving Kaur and marrying Malini in 1980. They had two daughters, one of whom also became a Bollywood actor.
In 2012, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.
He continued to act well into his late 80s, even as his health began to decline. His final feature, Ikkis, is due to be released in cinemas next month.