Bollywood Icon Dharmendra Dies at 89

Reuters

Mumbai: Dharmendra Deol, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors and a legendary action hero, passed away at his home in Mumbai on Monday. He was 89.

Dharmendra had been unwell for the past month. He is survived by his two wives and six children. While his family has not issued an official statement, several of his contemporaries, including Amitabh Bachchan, gathered at a crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, to pay their last respects.

“A massive mega star, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema,” wrote filmmaker Karan Johar, who cast Dharmendra in his 2023 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, on Instagram.

Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra rose to prominence after winning a talent contest organized by a film magazine, leading him to Mumbai where he made his film debut in 1960.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in over 300 films, from arthouse dramas to romantic hits, action-packed blockbusters, and comedies, becoming one of the defining actors of his generation.

Among his most notable works was the cult classic Sholay (1975), where he played one half of a duo tasked with capturing a notorious bandit. The film’s dialogues have since become iconic, influencing generations of Bollywood cinema and online memes.

Dharmendra married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, before rising to fame. Later, after starring alongside actress Hema Malini in several films, he married her in 1980, while remaining married to Prakash. Beyond acting, he served as a lawmaker in the Indian Parliament from 2004 to 2009.

Leaders across India mourned his passing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him “an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.” Condolences also poured in from President Draupadi Murmu and other public figures.

Dharmendra’s enduring charm, versatility, and larger-than-life screen presence have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, ensuring his legacy will be remembered for generations.