NEW DELHI (AP) — Dharmendra, one of the most beloved and enduring stars of Indian cinema whose charismatic screen presence dominated Bollywood through the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Monday at the age of 89.
The veteran actor, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8, had been hospitalized several times in Mumbai over the past few weeks. A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity after consulting the actor’s doctor, confirmed his death.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary star, saying Dharmendra’s passing “marks the end of an era” in Indian cinema.
“Dharmendra was an iconic film figure — a gifted actor who added grace and intensity to every role he portrayed,” Modi wrote on X.
Widely known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” Dharmendra uniquely blended rugged masculinity with emotional depth, excelling both as an action hero and as a romantic lead. While he often portrayed brave, upright, patriotic characters, his performances in lighthearted romances won him equal affection from audiences.
His portrayal of Veeru in “Sholay” (1975) — one of India’s most celebrated films — secured his legendary status. His pairing with Amitabh Bachchan in the film became one of Bollywood’s most iconic duos. Dharmendra also delivered memorable performances in hits like “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” (1971) and the comedy classic “Chupke Chupke” (1975).
Dharmendra shared remarkable on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini, who later became his wife. Together, they acted in over 20 films. Their off-screen relationship drew considerable controversy, as Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had four children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Reports suggested he briefly converted to Islam before marrying Malini in 1980 due to Indian laws restricting bigamy.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini have two daughters, including actress Esha Deol. His nephew Abhay Deol is also a well-known actor.
As his career progressed, Dharmendra transitioned into character roles, often playing fathers or mentors in films throughout the 1990s and 2000s. He continued acting well into the 2020s, with his final appearance in the war biopic “Ikkis.”
In a 2021 interview with Rediff, Dharmendra reflected on his long journey in cinema, saying, “I never imagined I would come this far.”
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab in 1935, he was raised in a farming family before moving to Mumbai in the late 1950s. His Bollywood career, which began in 1960, spanned more than six decades and over 300 films.
In 2012, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to cinema. He also briefly entered politics, serving as a BJP Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren.
