Mumbai— Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated and longstanding actors, died on Monday at the age of 89. He had recently been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai for respiratory complications and was discharged after initial signs of improvement. According to industry sources, his condition later deteriorated, and he was placed on ventilatory support before his death.
As news of his passing spread, members of the film fraternity arrived at the Vile Parle crematorium to pay their respects. Among them were Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. Filmmaker Karan Johar shared a tribute on social media, and members of the Deol family were present for the final rites.
Dharmendra had been living at his farmhouse in Khandala with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, having relocated from Mumbai to avoid worsening urban pollution. His wife, actor and parliamentarian Hema Malini, had told reporters during his earlier hospitalisation that his health was stable at the time.
Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra entered the film industry after winning a nationwide talent competition organised in 1958 by Filmfare magazine and Bimal Roy Productions. The contest, which also later launched the career of Rajesh Khanna, paved the way for his debut in the early 1960s.
Over the next several decades, Dharmendra emerged as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars. He earned recognition for his performances in films such as Phool Aur Patthar (1966), which established him as a leading actor, and Sholay (1975), in which his portrayal of Veeru became a defining moment in Indian popular culture. His work in Chupke Chupke (1975) showcased his comic abilities, while action films like Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) strengthened his image as a dependable mainstream hero.
Known for his screen charisma and emotional immediacy, Dharmendra remained a beloved figure throughout his career and into his later years. His off-screen reputation for humility and approachability further deepened his connection with audiences.
Dharmendra received numerous honours over his lifetime, including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
He is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his children, many of whom have carried forward his legacy in the Indian film industry.
