Dharmendra dies at 89: The ‘macho’ hero who broke boundaries, gave India both Sholay and Satyakam

Mumbai, November 24 — Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, the beloved "He-Man of Bollywood," passed away on Monday morning in Mumbai at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by police sources at the Pawan Hans crematorium, where his last rites were conducted. The legendary actor, who leaves behind a cinematic legacy spanning over 300 films, had been ailing for a month. Dharmendra, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8th, was briefly hospitalized in October after complaining of breathlessness. His passing marks the end of an era for Hindi cinema, mourning the loss of a star whose charm and action-hero persona defined generations. The Rise of an Outsider Born Dharmendra Deol in 1935 to a school teacher in Sahnewal village, Punjab, his journey to stardom is the quintessential Bollywood dream. An outsider who successfully made Hindi cinema his own, Dharmendra's ambitions were realized after he won a national talent contest organized by a film magazine. He made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and found his first success with Shola Aur Shabnam the following year. It was the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar that introduced his first action role, cementing the charismatic, handsome man's image and earning him the moniker of the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’. A Storied Career of Blockbusters and Gems Dharmendra’s stardom remained undiminished even with the rise of contemporaries like Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. His filmography is a testament to his versatility, balancing mainstream blockbusters with critically acclaimed performances. While the world remembers him as the iconic Veeru in Sholay, arguably Hindi cinema's most iconic film, he also delivered memorable roles in films like Satyakam and showcased his comic brilliance in Chupke Chupke. The 1970s were particularly prolific, featuring hits such as Jeevan Mrityu, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Pratigya, Dharam Veer, Seeta Aur Geeta, and The Burning Train. A Love Story for the Ages Dharmendra's personal life was as dramatic as his on-screen roles. While married to his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and father to four children—sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Ajeeta and Vijayta—he fell in love with his co-star, Hema Malini. Their on-screen pairing became a sensation, beginning with Tum Haseen Mai Jawan. Despite opposition, Dharmendra and Hema Malini married, later welcoming two daughters, Esha and Ahana. He maintained a close relationship with both families, continuing to live with Prakash Kaur while Hema Malini resided nearby. Legacy Beyond the Silver Screen Beyond acting, Dharmendra also ventured into production, establishing Vijayta Films in 1983, which launched the careers of his sons Sunny Deol (Betaab) and Bobby Deol, and later his grandson Karan Deol (Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas). He won a National Award for the film Ghayal (Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment) and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. He had a brief political stint, serving as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan, from 2004 to 2009. Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children: Sunny, Bobby, Ajeeta, Vijayta, Esha, and Ahana. Though he often remarked that he received few awards, the massive outpouring of love from his fans throughout his career and upon his passing confirms his lasting legacy in the heart of Indian cinema. His final film, Ikkis, is scheduled for release in December.