The charismatic Bollywood star Dharmendra has died at the age of 89. He was known as the “He-Man” of Indian films.
The famous actor died on Monday at his home in Mumbai, according to the news service IANS. Later, filmmaker Karan Johar revealed that he had died. He said it was the “end of an era”.
Dharmendra had been having long-term lung problems and other age-related illnesses. He was released from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on November 12 after a two-week stay, but his health is said to have gotten worse at home.
Before his death, the star had been working for more than 60 years. He was almost 90 years old.
Quickly: The first action hero
Was born in Punjab on December 8, 1935.
First movie: Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere
Important Parts: Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dharam Veer, Phool Aur Patthar
Legacy: He created the “action hero” part and also did great work in comedic and romantic roles.
Final Movie: Ikkis (released after death, December 2025)
“a huge hole in our business”
The experienced star’s death has caused a wave of sadness across India, with fans and leaders in the entertainment business gathering outside his home in Juhu to pay their respects.
He was praised on social media by filmmaker Karan Johar, who wrote, “He is and will always be a real legend of Indian cinema...” There is a huge hole in our business right now that can never be filled.
The Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle was packed with people, and the last services are likely to be held there. Famous people from Bollywood, like his co-star from Sholay Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, were seen coming to comfort the family.
From “Gentle Giant” to Icon of Culture
He moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in the late 1950s after winning a Filmfare talent hunt. His birth name was Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol.
He made his acting start in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. His first roles were as a romantic lead in films like Bandini and Anpadh. He became known as Bollywood’s first real “He-Man” after ripping off his shirt in Phool Aur Patthar (1966).
In the 1970s, when he was in some of the biggest hits of the time, he was at the height of his fame. Along with Amitabh Bachchan’s performance as Jai, his role as Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay is still one of the most praised in Indian film history.
Importantly, Dharmendra wouldn’t let himself be typecast. Action films like Dharam Veer made him a big star at the box office, but he also made quiet, funny films like Chupke Chupke, showing that he was more versatile than most actors of his time.
One last bow
Even though he was in his late 80s, Dharmendra kept working as an actor. He was recently seen in the hit movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and in the movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya in 2024.
His last movie, Ikkis, a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, is set to come out on December 25. Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Dharmendra’s close friend and regular co-star Amitabh Bachchan, plays a touching role in the movie.
His children, such as stars Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol, and his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, will miss him.
