The iconic frame of Bollywood’s beloved “He-Man” has faded to black. Dharmendra, the towering star whose name became synonymous with both rugged action and tender romance for generations of Indians, passed away on Monday. He was 89.
The news, confirmed by officials close to his family, marks the end of an era. The actor had been in and out of a Mumbai hospital in recent weeks, and his death has sent a wave of grief across the nation and the film industry.
More Than a Star: The End of an Era
Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the sentiment of millions, calling Dharmendra’s passing the “end of an era in Indian cinema.” On social media, he praised the actor as a “phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.”
And what roles they were. For over six decades, Dharmendra was not just an actor on screen; he was a feeling. He was the charming smile that could win over any heart and the clenched fist that could take on any villain. He combined the old-school heroism of an action star with the vulnerability of a romantic lead, creating a unique screen presence that few could replicate.
The Roles That Made a Legend
While his filmography boasts over 300 films, certain titles are etched in gold. His performance as the affable, lovelorn Veeru in the timeless classic “Sholay” (1975) earned him a permanent place in the hearts of cinephiles. His on-screen pairing with Amitabh Bachchan became one of Bollywood’s most iconic duos.
But his range was staggering. In the same year as “Sholay,” he showcased his impeccable comic timing in the delightful “Chupke Chupke.” From the patriotic fervor of action dramas like “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” to the intense romance of his many films with Hema Malini, Dharmendra proved he could do it all.
A Life Lived in the Spotlight, On and Off Screen
His life mirrored the drama of his films. His on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini blossomed into a real-life love story that captivated the nation. Their union, which required him to convert to Islam for the marriage, was a headline-making event, as he remained married to his first wife, Prakash Kaur. This complex family dynamic included his sons and fellow actors, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and his daughter with Malini, Esha Deol, creating a true Bollywood dynasty.
In his later years, he gracefully transitioned to powerful character roles, often playing beloved paternal figures, most recently in the 2025 war biopic “Ikkis.”
Born Dharmendra Singh Deol in 1935 in Punjab to a farming family, he arrived in Mumbai with little more than a dream. His journey from a small-town boy to a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2012 is the stuff of legend.
Dharmendra once humbly remarked, “I never thought I would come this far.” But for the countless fans who grew up with his films, it’s impossible to imagine Indian cinema without him. He is survived by his wives, his children, his grandchildren, and a legacy that will shine as brightly as the silver screen he loved.
