Dharmendra Bollywood’s “He-Man”, veteran actor Dharmendra breathed his last on Monday morning in Mumbai. He was 89 years old. His death marks the end of a six-decade-long reign in Indian cinema—a career which has seen him change from a rising star to a much-loved icon.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Nasrali, Punjab in 1935, he made his film debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
He would go on to act in over 300 films throughout the years, winning a special place in Indian hearts because he brought equal flair to action, romance, or humour on-screen.His role in the 1975 classic Sholay cemented his legend. It remains one of the most celebrated movies in Indian cinema and defines a generation of actors.
From a strong macho hero, Dharmendra evolved into a character actor who brought great depth and warmth to each character he portrayed.
His on-screen persona—charming, rugged yet warm—earned him not just fan admiration but deep respect in the film fraternity. Tributes poured in from every corner of the industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his passing as “the end of an era.”
Actors such as Amitabh Bachchan called him a “giant of Hindi cinema,” and many of his peers attended the funeral at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu.
Beyond the screen, Dharmendra was more than just a film star—he turned into a landmark figure in Indian popular culture. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contributions to the arts.
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He was part of a well-known film fraternity, being father to actors like Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol and married to actress Hema Malini. From a farming family in Punjab, his rise to the top in Bollywood is an example of grit, talent, and evolution. While mourning his loss, the film fraternity and his fans remember his legacy of movies that entertained generations, dialogues that became part of everyday language, and performances that touched hearts.
He was that kind of star whose presence would light up the screen, whose scenes would be quoted for decades, and whose smile would feel like returning home. As India bids adieu to Dharmendra, we celebrate a life lived with charisma, courage, and purpose—a life which “carried Punjab’s warmth wherever he went,” says this admirer.
