NEW DELHI (AP) — Dharmendra, one of India's most beloved cinema stars, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his dynamic performances, he was a defining screen presence in Bollywood films during the 1970s and 1980s. The actor had recently been hospitalized multiple times in Mumbai and was approaching his 90th birthday, which he would have celebrated on December 8.
A senior police official confirmed Dharmendra's death after speaking with his doctor, requesting anonymity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences, describing Dharmendra's death as marking the end of an era in Indian cinema. “He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played,” Modi wrote on the social media platform X, adding that the diverse roles Dharmendra portrayed resonated with countless individuals.
Often referred to as Bollywood's “He-Man,” Dharmendra fused the traditional heroism of an action star with the tenderness characteristic of a romantic lead, establishing himself as one of India's most iconic actors. While he gained fame through larger-than-life roles—embodying the archetype of an upright, patriotic, and fearless hero—his memorable performances in romantic films endeared him to the masses.
Notably, his role in the 1975 classic “Sholay” significantly elevated his popularity. The film, regarded as one of India's greatest, is considered Bollywood's answer to the Spaghetti Western genre. Alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra's portrayal of an affable character helped cement his status as a superstar. The on-screen partnership between Dharmendra and Bachchan became one of the most celebrated pairings in Bollywood history.
Dharmendra's on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini, whom he later married, further solidified their status as one of Bollywood's most enchanting collaborations. The two starred together in more than two dozen films, although their relationship was rooted in controversy. Before his film career, Dharmendra had married Prakash Kaur and fathered four children with her, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Despite marrying Hema Malini in 1980, he reportedly never divorced Kaur and continued to live with her, a situation complicated by Indian marriage laws that prohibit Hindus from marrying again while their spouse is alive.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini welcomed two daughters, one of whom, Esha Deol, followed her parents into Bollywood. His involvement in the film industry also extended to family, with his nephew, Abhay Deol, joining the ranks of actors. In the latter part of his career, Dharmendra transitioned to more character-driven roles, depicting father figures in numerous films throughout the 1990s and 2000s, maintaining a career that extended to 2025. His latest appearance was in the war biopic “Ikkis.” He expressed gratitude for his journey in a 2021 interview, stating, “I never thought I would come this far.”
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab in 1935, he hailed from a farming family. Dharmendra relocated to Mumbai in the late 1950s, making his Bollywood debut in 1960. Over a remarkable career spanning six decades, he acted in more than 300 films. His contributions to Indian cinema were recognized in 2012 when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian honor. Additionally, Dharmendra briefly ventured into politics, serving as a lawmaker for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Parliament from 2004 to 2009, although his political career was relatively short-lived.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, multiple children, and grandchildren, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema that will be remembered for generations to come.
