DharmendraOne of Indian cinema's most beloved and enduring stars, whose career spanned more than six decades, passed away on Monday. He was 89 years old. In recent weeks, he was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai due to breathing problems and later discharged.
Known to generations as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, Dharmendra combined the image of a matinee idol with the naturalistic charm that made him a household name since the 1960s. He has acted in more than 250 films, including some of the biggest Indian hits such as “Sholay”, “Phool Aur Patthar”, “Satyakam”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Sita Aur Geeta”, “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”, “Slacker”, “Blackmail” and “Jugnu”.
Born in Nasrali, Punjab, on December 8, 1935 – sources variously give his birth name as Dharam Singh Deol or Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol – he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) after winning a talent competition organized by Filmfare magazine. He made his screen debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and shot to fame six years later with O.P. Ralhan's “Phool Aur Patthar” where his topless scene earned him the nickname “He-Man”.
Over the next decade, Dharmendra dominated the box office with a variety of films that showcased his versatility – from the tragic idealist of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Satyakam to the comic lightness of Chupke Chupke to the gritty heroism of Sholay, in which he played Veera opposite Amitabh Bachchan's Jai in one of Indian cinema's most iconic pairings.
Between 1978 and 1997, he maintained his stardom with action and ensemble films such as Burning Train, Azaad, Rajput, Batwara and Hatyar, gradually moving towards patriarchal and character roles. He also founded his own production company, Vijayta Films, which produced the 1983 blockbuster Betaab, in which his son Sunny Deol.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur before he entered the film industry and the couple had four children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. In the 1970s, he formed one of the strongest partnerships in Bollywood with actress Hema Malini, his co-star in over 40 films and later his wife. Their relationship attracted intense public attention, but the couple remained together for decades and had two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
Apart from acting, Dharmendra entered politics as a Member of the Indian Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing Bikaner for the Bharatiya Janata Party. He later returned to films with roles in Apne, Yamla Pagla Deewana and their sequels, sharing the screen with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, both successful actors in their own right.
He was awarded India's Padma Bhushan, one of the country's highest civilian honors, and received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
In the following years, Dharmendra remained active on social media and made public appearances, celebrating the golden age of Indian cinema. His warmth and humility have earned him a reputation as one of the most generous colleagues in the industry.
He is survived by Prakash Kaur; Hema Malini; sons Sunny, Bobby and Karan Deol; and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol and others.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi posted: “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played varied roles resonated with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. My thoughts are with his family, friends and countless fans at this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
