Fatimah Otunsanya
Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra Krishan Deol has passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89, marking the end of a remarkable era in Indian cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes on his X handle Monday, describing Dharmendra’s death as “the end of an era.”
Dharmendra, one of India’s most beloved actors, enjoyed a six-decade career spanning more than 300 films. Best known for his role as Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay, he was celebrated for his versatility, excelling in romance, action, comedy, and drama.
Born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharmendra rose from modest beginnings to become one of Bollywood’s most admired stars. After winning a nationwide talent contest, he moved to Bombay and made his film debut in 1960. His breakthrough came with Bimal Roy’s Bandini in 1963, followed by decades of box-office hits.
Nicknamed Bollywood’s “original He-Man,” Dharmendra also earned a reputation as one of the industry’s most handsome actors, admired by fans and colleagues alike. His on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini became legendary, and the pair later married in 1980.
Over his long career, Dharmendra delivered acclaimed performances in films such as Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and the comedy hit Chupke Chupke. Despite never occupying Bollywood’s number-one spot, he remained one of its most enduring and respected figures.
He received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012.