Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra has passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89, marking the end of an era for Indian cinema. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes for the veteran star, saying his death “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema”.
Dharmendra, loved by millions for his charm, humility and on-screen versatility, appeared in over 300 films in a career spanning more than five decades. He was best known for playing Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, a role that became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated characters.
Born on 8 December 1935 in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharmendra—whose real name was Dharam Singh Deol—won a Filmfare talent contest in his youth, which opened doors to the film industry. He made his debut in 1960 and quickly established himself as a romantic hero before transitioning into action and comedy.
His early work in films like Bandini earned critical praise, while movies such as Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and the comedy classic Chupke Chupke showcased his range as an actor. Known for performing his own stunts, he was often called Bollywood’s “original He-Man” and featured regularly in lists of the world’s most handsome men.
Dharmendra shared screen space with nearly every leading actress of his era, but his most successful pairing was with Hema Malini, who later became his second wife. Their on-screen chemistry in films like Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay became legendary.
Outside films, Dharmendra briefly entered politics as a BJP Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2009, though he later admitted he was a “misfit” in the political arena.
In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
Even in his later years, Dharmendra stayed connected to fans through social media and continued working alongside his sons, actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from across the industry. Actor Akshay Kumar said Dharmendra was “the hero every boy wanted to be”, while filmmaker Karan Johar called his passing “a gaping hole in the industry… a space that can never be filled”.
Dharmendra leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances, timeless films, and an entire generation of admirers who continue to celebrate his work.
