Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol has died in Mumbai at the age of 89. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes to the screen veteran, saying his passing “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema”.
Fondly known as a “simple man,” Dharmendra enjoyed unwavering admiration from tens of millions of fans across the world. Best remembered as Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, he featured in more than 300 films over six decades, becoming one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.
Dubbed the “original He-Man of Bollywood” and “Garam Dharam”, Dharmendra regularly appeared on global lists of the world’s most handsome men. Generations of fans adored him, while top actors including Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan and Jaya Bachchan openly praised his looks and charisma.
Born on 8 December 1935 in Punjab to a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family, he fell in love with cinema at a young age. After winning the Filmfare All India Talent Contest, he moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) to pursue acting—launching a career that would dominate Indian cinema for over 30 years.
Following his 1960 debut in Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere, Dharmendra rose to stardom with Bimal Roy’s Bandini in 1963. From romantic dramas to action thrillers and comedies, he enjoyed massive success, performing daring stunts and earning praise for his comic timing in classics like Chupke Chupke.
His onscreen pairing—and later marriage—with actress Hema Malini became one of Bollywood’s most talked-about romances. The couple married in 1980, after starring together in multiple blockbusters.
Dharmendra also served as a Member of Parliament for the BJP between 2005 and 2009, though he later admitted politics was not his calling.
Despite countless hits, he famously never sought to be “number one” in the industry. He was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
He continued acting, appearing alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol and staying connected to fans through public appearances and social media.
Although he leaves behind a remarkable body of work, Dharmendra will forever be immortalised as Veeru in Sholay—a cultural landmark many regard as his finest role.
“I came here only for love,” he once said. “Everyone loves Dharmendra, and I am grateful.”
Courtesy: BBC
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