The world of Indian cinema is mourning the loss of one of its most enduring stars, Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89 at his Mumbai home on Monday morning.
Born Dharam Singh Deol, the actor rose from humble beginnings in rural Punjab to become one of Bollywood's most celebrated and versatile performers, with a career that spanned an remarkable six decades and included more than 300 films.
From Village Boy to Bollywood Icon
Dharmendra's journey to stardom began in 1960 when he won a film talent contest, leaving his agricultural background behind to pursue dreams in Mumbai, the heart of India's film industry. His father had been a schoolteacher in their Punjabi village, providing a simple upbringing that contrasted sharply with the glamour that would define Dharmendra's future.
His breakthrough came with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, launching what would become his reputation as Bollywood's go-to romantic hero. With his strikingly handsome looks and rugged charm, he quickly captured the hearts of audiences across India and inspired fervent devotion among his many fans.
The 'He-Man' of Indian Cinema
Often referred to as Bollywood's "He-Man" due to his muscular physique and powerful screen presence, Dharmendra demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career. He mastered genres ranging from comedy and action to emotional dramas, later transitioning seamlessly into character roles as his career evolved.
Perhaps his most beloved performance came in the 1975 Indian western classic Sholay, where he starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan as one half of a pair of lovable small-time criminals. The film remains one of Bollywood's most cherished productions, with their on-screen friendship becoming the stuff of cinematic legend.
Political Career and Personal Life
Beyond his film achievements, Dharmendra also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party from 2004 to 2009. Notably, he continued acting throughout his political term and was rarely seen in parliament, maintaining his primary identity as a performer.
His personal life provided endless fascination for the Indian public. He had four children with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, two of whom followed him into Bollywood stardom. His electric on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini eventually led to him leaving Kaur and marrying Malini in 1980, with whom he had two daughters - one of whom also became a Bollywood actor.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012, India's third-highest civilian honour.
Legacy and Final Works
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to the late actor, stating that his death "marked the end of an era in Indian cinema." On social media platform X, Modi praised Dharmendra as "an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played."
Even as his health declined in recent years, Dharmendra continued acting well into his late 80s. His final feature film, Ikkis, is scheduled for release in cinemas next month, providing one last opportunity for audiences to witness his enduring talent.
As crowds gathered around cars leaving Dharmendra's funeral in Mumbai, the scale of public mourning demonstrated the profound impact this cinematic legend had on multiple generations of film lovers, cementing his status as one of Bollywood's truly irreplaceable stars.
