Indian cinema legend Dharmendra, widely celebrated as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, has died at the age of 89. The veteran actor, whose career spanned more than six decades and over 250 films, passed away on Monday.
Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Punjab, Dharmendra rose to fame after moving to Mumbai in 1958 following a talent contest win. He made his debut in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere,” and shot to stardom in 1966 with “Phool Aur Patthar,” where his topless appearance marked a first in Hindi cinema and won him widespread admiration.
Known for his rugged looks and action roles, Dharmendra starred in numerous blockbusters and formed iconic on-screen partnerships with top actresses such as Nutan, Meena Kumari, and Sharmila Tagore. His most famous pairing was with actress Hema Malini, with whom he delivered hits like “Seeta Aur Geeta” and “Sholay.” Their professional relationship eventually led to marriage in 1980, despite controversy surrounding his refusal to divorce his first wife, Prakash Kaur.
Though best known for his action roles, critics often described Dharmendra as an underrated actor, noting his acclaimed performances in films such as “Bandini,” “Anupama” and “Satyakam.” He also produced several films featuring his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, and briefly served as a member of parliament.
Dharmendra continued acting into his later years, appearing in the “Yamla Pagla Deewana” series and the 2023 film “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.” Away from the spotlight, he spent much of his time on his farm, sharing glimpses of rural life with his social media followers.
Despite his long-standing stardom, he often spoke modestly about his work, once admitting he was “always dissatisfied” with how he appeared on screen.
Dharmendra is survived by his six children and leaves behind a legacy as one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars.
