Bollywood Icon Dharmendra Dies at 89

Bollywood legend Dharmendra has passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89, leaving behind a towering legacy in Indian cinema.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, calling his death “the end of an era in Indian cinema.”

Known for his charm and simplicity, Dharmendra commanded the affection of tens of millions of fans. He starred in over 300 films, delivering numerous hits and unforgettable performances. He is perhaps best remembered as Veeru, the lovable rogue in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay.

Dubbed the “original He-Man of Bollywood” and affectionately known as “Garam Dharam,” Dharmendra was celebrated for his looks and charisma. Even fellow stars admired him: Madhuri Dixit called him “one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen,” Salman Khan described him as “the most beautiful looking man,” and Jaya Bachchan referred to him as “a Greek God.”

Born Dharam Singh Deol on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village, Punjab, he hailed from a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family. Though his father wanted him to focus on studies, Dharmendra fell in love with films as a teenager. After winning the All India Talent Contest by Filmfare magazine, he moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) and began a film career that spanned decades.

He debuted in Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere (1960) and gained critical acclaim with Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963). Over the years, he became both a romantic and action hero, pairing successfully with leading actresses such as Nutan, Meena Kumari, Mala Sinha, and Saira Banu. Films like Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) cemented his status as an action star.

Besides action and romance, Dharmendra excelled in comedy and suspense, with critics praising his impeccable timing in films like Chupke Chupke (1975). His most iconic screen partnership was with Hema Malini, who later became his second wife. The couple’s romance, beginning in the 1970s, captivated audiences and made headlines until they married in 1980.

Dharmendra also dabbled in politics, serving as a BJP MP from Bikaner, Rajasthan, from 2005 to 2009. However, he admitted later that politics was not for him, preferring films and personal pursuits.

He continued working well into his later years, acting alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, judging reality shows, and engaging with fans on social media.

While his career was filled with hits, it was his role as Veeru in Sholay that became iconic, earning him the title “soul of Sholay.” Despite many successes, he never achieved the “number one” status in Bollywood, overshadowed by contemporaries such as Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Amitabh Bachchan. Nevertheless, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

Dharmendra remained humble about fame, stating, “I never asked for too much money, and fame is transient. All I ever wanted was people’s love. Everyone loves Dharmendra, and I am grateful for that.”