Dharmendra, one of the most popular stars of India’s Bollywood cinema, has died at the age of 89.
Born as Dharam Singh Deol, but later known as Dharmendra, he rose to fame in the 1960s and became one of the most famous and popular stars of Indian cinema in a career spanning six decades.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who paid tribute to Dharmendra when it was announced that he died at his home in Mumbai on Monday morning.
Modi said that his death marked the end of an era of Indian cinema. Modi said on X, “He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The way he played diverse roles influenced countless people.”
Often called the “He-Man” of Bollywood in reference to his muscular physique, handsome looks and strong charm, Dharmendra was known for his versatility in roles that spanned genres ranging from comedy and action to emotional dramas and later on character roles.
He was particularly loved for his role in the 1975 Indian Western film Sholay, where he and another popular actor, Amitabh Bachchan, played a pair of loveable, small-time criminals, which is still one of Bollywood’s best-loved on-screen friendships.
Dharmendra came from a simple, agricultural background. He was born in a village in rural Punjab and his father was a school teacher. His break in film came in 1960 when he won a film talent competition and single-handedly moved to Mumbai, the heart of Indian cinema.
Due to his frequently commented good looks, he soon established himself as Bollywood’s favorite romantic hero. He took a break with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 and was known to arouse enthusiasm among his many devoted fans.
Dharmendra acted in over 300 films and also entered politics, becoming an MP for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party from 2004 to 2009. He continued to act throughout his tenure and was rarely seen in Parliament.
His off-screen life was also a source of endless fascination and his family became something of a Bollywood dynasty. Dharmendra had four children with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, two of whom became Bollywood stars. But his great on-screen chemistry with actor Hema Malini resulted in him leaving Kaur and marrying Malini in 1980. They had two daughters, one of whom also became a Bollywood actor.
In 2012, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
He continued to act well into his late 80s, even as his health began to decline. His last film, Ikkis, is scheduled to release in theaters next month.
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