Dharmendra, the iconic Bollywood actor known as the ‘He Man’ of Indian cinema, has died in Mumbai at the age of 89.The star, whose career spanned six decades and over 300 films, passed away on Monday, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and the indian film industry.
Dharmendra’s death marks the end of an era for Bollywood, leaving a void in the hearts of millions who grew up watching his charismatic performances. His legacy extends beyond his prolific filmography, encompassing a life marked by both professional success and personal complexities that captivated the nation. His final film, Ikkis, is slated for release next month.
Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in a village in rural Punjab, Dharmendra rose to prominence after winning a film talent contest in 1960 and moving to Mumbai. He quickly became bollywood’s leading romantic hero, debuting with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and inspiring fervent devotion from his fanbase with his striking looks.
He achieved enduring fame for his role in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, where his portrayal of a lovable outlaw alongside Amitabh Bachchan cemented his status as a bollywood legend.The film remains one of the most beloved in Indian cinematic history, celebrated for its action, humor, and the iconic on-screen friendship between the two stars.
Beyond acting, Dharmendra also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata party from 2004 to 2009, though he was rarely present in parliament. He received the padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2012 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Dharmendra’s personal life was often the subject of public fascination. He had four children with his first wife,Prakash Kaur,with two of them – Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol – following in his footsteps as Bollywood actors.His relationship with Hema Malini led to his marriage to her in 1980, and they had two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, with Esha also becoming a Bollywood actress.
Even as his health declined in his later years, Dharmendra continued to act, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to his craft. His passing represents a critically important loss for the Indian film industry and a poignant moment for his countless admirers.
