The world of Indian cinema is in mourning following the death of Dharmendra, one of its most beloved and influential figures, at the age of 89 in Mumbai. The news has prompted an immense outpouring of grief and tributes from across India and beyond.
A Nation Mourns an Icon
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the condolences, stating that the Bollywood icon's passing 'marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.' The sentiment was echoed throughout the film industry and by millions of devoted fans. Known for often referring to himself as 'a simple man,' Dharmendra was revered not only for his magnetic screen presence but also for his profound humility, which earned him fierce loyalty from tens of millions of admirers.
His career was nothing short of extraordinary, spanning decades and encompassing more than 300 films. He became a cultural icon, most famously synonymous with the role of Veeru, the charming petty criminal in the legendary 1975 blockbuster Sholay.
A Life in the Spotlight
Dharmendra's fame knew no bounds. His songs consistently topped music charts, his highly publicised romance with actress Hema Malini dominated headlines for years, and his larger-than-life screen persona earned him nicknames like the 'original He-Man of Bollywood.' His striking looks were legendary among his peers; Madhuri Dixit called him 'one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen,' while Salman Khan described him as the 'most beautiful looking man.' Jaya Bachchan went further, referring to him as 'a Greek God.'
Despite the widespread acclaim for his appearance, Dharmendra himself insisted he felt 'embarrassed' by the attention, humbly attributing it to 'nature, my parents and my genes.'
Global star Priyanka Chopra paid a heartfelt homage on Instagram, recalling how Dharmendra and his family made her feel welcome in the industry when she was a complete newcomer. 'This feels personal,' she wrote, 'Some people leave behind films, some leave behind feelings. He has left us with both.'
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Born in Punjab into a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family where his father was a schoolteacher, Dharmendra's journey to stardom was unlikely. In a 2018 interview with BBC Hindi, he admitted that his family initially opposed his film dreams. He recalled being hooked after watching his first film in the ninth standard, wondering, 'where is this heaven where all these beautiful people live?'
Fate intervened when he won the All India Talent Contest organised by Filmfare, which prompted his move to Bombay (now Mumbai) and launched his phenomenal career. He made his screen debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere and quickly became a romantic leading man, paired with legends like Nutan and Meena Kumari.
He later transitioned into action roles, with his first action film, Phool Aur Patthar (1966), paving the way for his status as an action hero. His most iconic screen partnership was with Hema Malini, who later became his second wife after a much-publicised courtship. They married in 1980, a union that withstood public scrutiny.
Beyond films, Dharmendra briefly ventured into politics, serving as a BJP MP for Bikaner from 2005 to 2009, though he later admitted he found the role challenging. His passion for cinema never waned, and he continued working into his later years, appearing with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol and maintaining a vibrant connection with his fans.
