Veteran Indian actor Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most enduring stars, died on Monday in Mumbai at the age of 89.
The screen legend had been receiving medical care at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, where he had been admitted multiple times in recent days.
As of the time of reporting, officials have not disclosed the cause of his death.
Dharmendra, born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, built a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades. With more than 300 film credits, he became one of India’s most recognisable entertainers, earning the nickname “the original He-Man of Bollywood.” He is fondly remembered for standout roles in classics such as Sholay (1975) and Ghazab (1982).
Tributes have poured in from across India and beyond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the actor’s passing as “the end of an era in Indian cinema,” praising his contributions to film and popular culture.
In a 2018 conversation with the BBC, Dharmendra recalled how he defied his father’s wishes to pursue academics because of his deep love for cinema. He traced his passion back to the first movie he watched as a schoolboy. “I was hooked,” he said, reflecting on the moment he fell in love with the world of film.
Dharmendra’s legacy extends through his family as well. His sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both followed his path into acting and remain prominent figures in Bollywood.
The film world continues to honour Dharmendra’s extraordinary impact, celebrating a career defined by charisma, versatility, and an unwavering devotion to storytelling.
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