Mumbai : Hindi cinema’s legendary “He-Man,” Dharmendra, passed away on Monday at the age of 89 in Mumbai. Sources close to IANS confirmed the news. The veteran actor had recently returned home after a brief period of hospitalisation at Breach Candy Hospital.
Dharmendra’s demise has left the Indian film industry and millions of fans across the country in deep mourning. With a career spanning more than six decades, he remained one of the most beloved and influential figures in Hindi cinema. His Sholay co-star Amitabh Bachchan arrived at the Vile Parle crematorium accompanied by his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, to pay his last respects.
Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram to express his heartfelt grief, calling Dharmendra “a bonafide legend of Indian cinema.”
“It is an end of an era… a massive megastar… the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema,” Johar wrote. He praised the actor’s charisma, warmth, and generosity, adding, “His blessings, his hug, and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe… there will always be the one and only Dharamji.”
Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra made his acting debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. His rugged charm, striking looks, and effortless screen presence earned him a wide fan base, and he quickly became one of the most versatile actors of his generation. Whether in romance, action, comedy, or drama, Dharmendra moved seamlessly between genres, delivering memorable performances year after year.
In the 1960s, he starred in several box-office successes including Aaye Din Bahar Ke and Ayee Milan Ki Bela. His stature grew further with the action drama Phool Aur Patthar, cementing his position as a leading man. The 1970s and 1980s marked the peak of his stardom with iconic films such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Chupke Chupke, Pratiggya, Jugnu, and Dharam Veer. His portrayal of Veeru in Sholay remains one of the most celebrated roles in Indian cinematic history.
Over his illustrious career, Dharmendra appeared in over 300 films and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contribution to Indian cinema. Even in his later years, he continued to charm audiences with roles in Apne, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Life in a… Metro, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024).
His final appearance will be in the upcoming war drama Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, slated for release in December 2025, marking a poignant swansong to a luminous career.
Dharmendra leaves behind a legacy etched into the heart of Indian cinema—one defined by versatility, charisma, and an unwavering bond with audiences that spanned generations.
