Bollywood Icon Dharmendra Dies at 89

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra has died in Mumbai at the age of eighty nine, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to him, saying his death signalled the close of an era in Indian cinema. For generations of fans, Dharmendra was a beloved figure, admired as much for his warmth as for his star power.

Best known for his unforgettable role as Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay, Dharmendra appeared in more than three hundred films, many of which became major hits. His charisma, humour and on screen charm made him one of the most adored actors of his time. His songs topped charts, his film partnerships were widely celebrated and his real life romance with actress Hema Malini captivated the nation.

Often referred to as the original He Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra earned a reputation as an action hero while also excelling in romance and comedy. His good looks made him an international heartthrob, with admirers who cherished his photographs and spoke fondly of his screen presence. Fellow actors Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan and Jaya Bachchan all described him as one of the most striking personalities ever seen in Indian cinema, though he often brushed off such praise with humility.

Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935 in a village in Punjab, he grew up in a middle class Jatt Sikh family. In interviews, he said he fell in love with films as a teenager and dreamed of joining the glamorous world he saw on screen. His big break came when he won the All India Talent Contest, which led him to Bombay and set the stage for a celebrated career.

Dharmendra rose to prominence with the 1963 film Bandini and soon became one of the industry’s most sought after romantic leads. By the early 1970s, he had reinvented himself as an action star through films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh. He often performed his own stunts, earning admiration for his courage and physicality.

His professional and personal partnership with Hema Malini became legendary. Their onscreen chemistry in films such as Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay turned them into one of Bollywood’s most iconic pairs. They eventually married in 1980, despite considerable public attention and controversy surrounding their relationship.

Dharmendra also ventured briefly into politics, serving as a member of parliament from 2005 to 2009. He later admitted that politics did not suit him, calling the experience emotionally difficult and acknowledging that he preferred cinema and farming to public office.

He continued to act well into his later years, appearing alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, engaging with fans and participating in television programmes. His portrayal of Veeru in Sholay remains one of Bollywood’s most cherished performances, often described as the heart and soul of the film.

Although he never pursued the “number one” position in the industry, Dharmendra received numerous honours, including a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012. He often said that the love of the audience mattered more to him than awards or rankings.

Tributes poured in across the film industry after news of his death. Actor Akshay Kumar recalled wanting to be like him while growing up, while director Karan Johar said that Dharmendra’s passing left a void that could never be filled. His legacy, built on talent, generosity and genuine affection for fans, continues to shape Indian cinema.