Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most enduring screen icons, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by sources close to the family, who said the actor died in Mumbai only a few weeks after returning home from Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment. Dharmendra had been admitted earlier this month and was briefly placed on life support. Doctors later declared him stable, and he was discharged on November 12 with arrangements made for continued care at home.
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The actor would have turned 90 on December 8, and those around him say he had been under strict medical supervision in recent weeks. His body was taken to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, where members of the film fraternity gathered to bid him a final farewell. Familiar faces from the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan, were among those who arrived to pay their respects. Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini, his first wife Prakash Kaur, and his children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol.
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Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum soon after the news broke. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling Dharmendra’s passing “the end of an era in Indian cinema.” In a post on X, the Prime Minister described him as a remarkable performer whose work touched audiences over several generations. Modi highlighted not only Dharmendra’s screen presence but also his “simplicity, humility, and warmth,” qualities that endeared him to colleagues and fans alike. Additionally, leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, also shared condolences.
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Over his six-decade career, Dharmendra acted in more than 300 films and became one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated leading men. He made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and went on to headline many of the industry’s most memorable hits. Beginning in the late 1990s, Dharmendra often stepped into character roles, appearing in films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana and, more recently, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His most recent appearance was in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contributions to Indian film. His next film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, had been slated for release.
