(DDM) – Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89, marking the end of one of the longest and most influential careers in Indian cinema.
DDM gathered that the veteran actor died on Monday after spending several weeks in and out of a Mumbai hospital, where he had reportedly been receiving treatment for age-related complications.
His death comes just days before what would have been his 90th birthday on December 8.
Authorities confirmed the development after a senior Mumbai police official, who spoke with the actor’s doctor, verified the news under anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media.
Dharmendra, often celebrated worldwide as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” appeared in more than 300 films over six decades, making him one of India’s most prolific and recognisable stars.
His passing immediately sparked a nationwide outpouring of grief, with tributes flowing from fans, film colleagues, and political leaders.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a phenomenal actor whose artistry touched millions across generations.
Modi praised the actor’s range, noting that Dharmendra infused his roles with charm, depth, and emotional resonance.
Dharmendra’s rise to fame defined Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, a period that saw him transition effortlessly from romantic hero to rugged action star.
His ability to balance intensity with warmth turned him into a household name across India and earned him significant admiration abroad.
His role in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay remains one of the most celebrated performances in Bollywood history.
The film, often regarded as India’s greatest cinematic production, paired him with superstar Amitabh Bachchan in a partnership that would become iconic.
Dharmendra also showcased comedic brilliance in classics like Chupke Chupke (1975), proving his unmatched versatility.
His performances in action hits such as Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) further strengthened his legacy as one of Bollywood’s most dynamic performers.
He shared remarkable chemistry with actress Hema Malini, who later became his wife, and the pair starred together in more than two dozen films.
However, their relationship was not without controversy, as Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur before entering the film industry.
Reports from Indian media indicate that he briefly converted to Islam in 1980 to marry Malini, as Hindu law prohibits a second marriage without a divorce.
He continued living with Kaur while raising a second family with Malini, resulting in one of Bollywood’s most discussed marital situations.
Dharmendra fathered several children who would later enter the entertainment industry, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in 1935 in Punjab, he grew up in a humble farming household before relocating to Mumbai in the late 1950s to pursue acting.
He made his film debut in 1960 and steadily built an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades.
In 2012, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to cinema.
Dharmendra later served as a Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker between 2004 and 2009, though he eventually returned to full-time filmmaking.
His final film appearance came in 2025 in the war biopic Ikkis, marking the end of a remarkable journey.
He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and a massive global fanbase that continues to celebrate his enduring legacy.