Bollywood veteran Dharmendra no more at 89

Bollywood icon Dharmendra Krishan Deol has passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89, bringing to a close a remarkable era in Indian cinema.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes on his X handle on Monday, calling Dharmendra’s death “the end of an era.”

Dharmendra, one of India’s most beloved actors, enjoyed a six-decade career spanning over 300 films. He is best remembered for his role as Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay, and was celebrated for his versatility, excelling in romance, action, comedy, and drama.

Born on December 8, 1935, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Dharmendra rose from humble 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, with his breakthrough coming in Bimal Roy’s Bandini in 1963, followed by decades of box-office hits.

Nicknamed Bollywood’s “original He-Man,” Dharmendra was also admired for his striking looks. His on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini became legendary, and the pair married in 1980.

Throughout 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 claiming Bollywood’s top spot, he remained one of the industry’s most respected and enduring 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.

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