Bollywood Legend Dharmendra Dies at 89, Marking an Era’s End

Bollywood icon Dharmendra, known for his iconic roles and timeless charm, passes away at 89. His legacy in Indian cinema continues to inspire generations

Bollywood icon Dharmendra, beloved by millions, has passed away at 89 in Mumbai, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, acknowledging that his death signifies the close of a remarkable chapter in the history of Bollywood.

Known for his down-to-earth personality, Dharmendra captured the hearts of generations with his charm, style, and unmatched screen presence. His most iconic role as Veeru, the charming and daring petty criminal in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, cemented his place in cinematic history. Over a career spanning more than 5 decades, Dharmendra graced over 300 films, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

The "original He-Man of Bollywood," as he was often called, was not only celebrated for his roles but also for his dashing looks, which made him a heartthrob of his era. His striking appearance earned him a spot on global lists of the most handsome men, with female fans keeping his photos close at hand. But Dharmendra was never one to bask in his good looks. He humbly credited his appearance to "nature, my parents, and my genes," and preferred to stay focused on his craft rather than the adulation.

Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra came from a modest, middle-class Jatt-Sikh family. Despite his father’s wish that he pursue academics, Dharmendra was drawn to films from a young age. He recalled in an interview, “I watched my first film in ninth grade, and from that moment, I knew I belonged in that world.” His family initially disapproved of his ambitions, but a fateful entry in Filmfare's All India Talent Contest led to his move to Bombay (now Mumbai), where his journey to stardom began.

Debuting in Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, Dharmendra quickly became Bollywood's most consistent leading man. His rise to fame was swift, with his breakthrough performance in Bimal Roy's Bandini (1963) and an unforgettable string of roles that saw him become a favorite romantic hero in films opposite top actresses like Nutan, Meena Kumari, and Mala Sinha. He made his mark as an action hero in Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and solidified his status with Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971).

Tall, athletic, and fearless, Dharmendra performed his own stunts, cementing his image as a true action star. But it was his versatile talent that set him apart—whether in thrilling dramas, romantic escapades, or uproarious comedies, he delivered with equal finesse. His impeccable comic timing in Chupke Chupke (1975) earned him praise from critics and fans alike.

Dharmendra’s real-life romance with actress Hema Malini was as captivating as his on-screen personas. The two first met in 1965, and their chemistry both in and out of the films was undeniable. Their love story, though initially controversial due to

Dharmendra's marriage to Prakash Kaur blossomed, and they wed in 1980. The two starred together in several iconic films, including Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, and, of course, Sholay—the film that became a cultural touchstone.

Despite his enduring popularity, Dharmendra’s journey wasn’t without detours. In 2005, he entered politics, serving as the BJP Member of Parliament for Bikaner, Rajasthan, for one term. However, he found the world of politics unsuited to his temperament. He later admitted that his emotional nature made it a tough fit, saying, “Politics is not for emotional people, it's for the thick-skinned."

Even in his later years, Dharmendra remained a force in the industry, acting alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and staying connected with fans through social media. His dedication to his craft never waned, and his fans never stopped showering him with love and admiration.

Though he never snagged a Filmfare Best Actor Award or reached the legendary status of contemporaries like Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra’s legacy remains undeniable. He was finally recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1997 Filmfare Awards, and in 2012, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian cinema.

His defining role, however, will always be Veeru in Sholay, the fearless and lovable rogue-turned-hero who became a symbol of friendship, bravery, and charm. In his own words, Dharmendra believed Sholay to be his finest performance. “I don’t think I’ve ever done a better role than Veeru’s,” he said.

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the film industry, with tributes pouring in from all corners. Actor Akshay Kumar described Dharmendra as the hero every boy aspired to be, while director Karan Johar lamented the loss, calling it “the end of an era.”

Dharmendra may no longer be with us, but his legacy will forever live on, not just through his films but in the love and admiration he garnered from fans worldwide. As Karan Johar aptly put it, there will always be one and only Dharmendra.