Bollywood icon Dharmendra passes away at 89

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a six-decade-long legacy in Indian film.

Dharmendra died on Monday morning at his residence in Mumbai following a month-long illness. He had previously been hospitalised at Breach Candy Hospital for respiratory complications but was discharged on November 12 to continue treatment at home.

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab in 1935, he made his film debut in 1960 and went on to star in over 300 films. He gained fame for iconic roles in movies such as Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Chupke Chupke.

He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, in 2012 for his contributions to Indian cinema.

Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and actress Hema Malini, and six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.

His funeral was held at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, attended by family members, friends, and Bollywood colleagues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Dharmendra’s death as “the end of an era” in Indian cinema, while Bollywood stars flooded social media with tributes, praising his versatility, charm, and enduring impact on the industry.

Dharmendra’s death marks the passing of one of Bollywood’s most iconic figures, whose career spanned action, romance, and comedy, leaving a lasting imprint on Indian film history.