New Delhi— President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday led the country in mourning the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, whose passing at the age of 89 has been described as a moment that marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.
President Murmu called Dharmendra “a towering figure of Indian cinema,” noting in a post on X that the actor delivered “numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career.” She added that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of artists and offered her condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.
Prime Minister Modi echoed the national sentiment, writing that Dharmendra was “an iconic film personality” admired as much for his artistry as for his humility and warmth. “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema,” he said. “In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.”
Dharmendra died on Monday after being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been admitted with breathing difficulties and was reportedly placed on a ventilator. The actor had been recuperating at his Juhu residence. He had relocated to his Khandala farmhouse in recent years, partly due to Mumbai’s worsening pollution levels.
As news of his death spread, leading figures of the film industry — including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Zayed Khan and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur — arrived at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium to pay their final respects, amid heavy police deployment.
Dharmendra’s passing comes amid a difficult period for Hindi cinema, following recent losses including Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah and advertising icon Piyush Pandey.
Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra entered films after winning the 1958 nationwide talent hunt conducted by Filmfare magazine and Bimal Roy Productions — the same platform that would later launch Rajesh Khanna. His striking looks, emotional depth, and effortless charisma allowed him to excel across genres, from romance and action to comedy.
He rose to prominence with Phool Aur Patthar and achieved cinematic immortality with his portrayal of the endearing Veeru in Sholay, one of the most beloved characters in Indian film history. Over the decades, he remained one of Bollywood’s most enduring stars, earning the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to cinema.
Dharmendra leaves behind a legacy that spans more than sixty years — a body of work that shaped Indian popular culture and a persona cherished across generations. (Source: IANS)
