Dharmendra Deol, one of India’s most celebrated screen stars and a defining face of Bollywood’s golden era, died at his home in Mumbai on Monday at the age of eighty-nine, according to local media reports. The veteran actor had reportedly been unwell for several weeks.
His passing marks the end of a career that reshaped mainstream Indian cinema across six decades. Known simply as Dharmendra to millions of fans, he appeared in more than three hundred films and became one of Bollywood’s most enduring action heroes.
News of his death drew immediate tributes from across India’s film industry and political establishment. Fellow actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, gathered at a crematorium in Mumbai’s Juhu suburb for his funeral. Political leaders mourned his loss as well, recognising his cultural and public influence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Dharmendra “was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played” in a message posted on X. President Draupadi Murmu also expressed condolences.
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Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra entered the film industry after winning a talent contest organised by a popular film magazine. He moved to Mumbai and made his debut in 1960, beginning a career that would see him take on roles in arthouse cinema, romantic dramas, action thrillers and broad comedies.
His ability to shift between genres helped him become one of the most versatile actors of his generation. Among his most celebrated work is the 1975 classic “Sholay”, in which he played a small-time outlaw tasked with helping capture a notorious bandit. The film became a cornerstone of Indian popular culture, and Dharmendra’s dialogues from the film remain widely referenced and frequently used in memes.
Dharmendra continued to appear in major productions well into later life. His return to the screen in Karan Johar’s 2023 hit “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
In an Instagram post, Johar described him as “a massive mega star, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema”, paying tribute to his range and longevity.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur before gaining fame and later married actress Hema Malini in 1980 without divorcing his first spouse, drawing significant public attention at the time. He is survived by his two wives and six children, several of whom have also become actors.
Beyond cinema, he served as a member of India’s parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan.
Industry colleagues said his death leaves a major void in Bollywood. Many cited his influence on modern action roles and his transition from romantic leads to more rugged performances during the 1970s and 1980s.
As fans gathered outside his residence on Monday afternoon, broadcasters replayed scenes from his most iconic films, showing his lasting impact on Indian entertainment.
Further statements from his family are expected in the coming days.
