Dharmendra passes away

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away yesterday morning at his residence in Juhu, according to reports by Indian news agency IANS.

He was 89.

The family has not yet released an official statement regarding his death, but media reports say he had long been battling age-related health issues, including respiratory complications.

The legendary actor was cremated at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, with family members and close friends in attendance. Bollywood stars, including Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, were among those who paid their final respects.

Dharmendra passed away just 12 days after being discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted in late October due to respiratory distress. The actor was set to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on his official X account, wrote, "The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people."

He added, "Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti."

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who worked with Dharmendra in "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani", paid tribute to the actor on Instagram, calling him "the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema" and "a bonafide legend of Indian cinema."

He added, "There will always be the one and only Dharamji… We will miss you so much… The heavens are blessed today."

Actor Akshay Kumar said Dharmendra was the hero every boy wanted to be, while colleagues and fans remembered him as a humble and approachable icon.

Born Dharam Singh Deol in a village in Ludhiana in 1935, and raised in Nasrali, Punjab, in a middle-class Jatt Sikh family, Dharmendra made his film debut in 1960 with the romantic drama "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere".

He discovered his passion for cinema in school and won the All India Talent Contest by Filmfare, which brought him to Bombay.

He established himself in the 1960s with films such as "Bandini", "Ayee Milan Ki Bela" and "Khamoshi", before earning acclaim for his performance in Chetan Anand's war drama "Haqeeqat" in 1965. His breakthrough as a box-office star came with "Phool Aur Patthar" the very next year.

Over the next two decades, Dharmendra starred in some of Bollywood's biggest hits, including "Mera Gaon Mera Desh", "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Chupke Chupke", "Sholay" and "Yaadon Ki Baraat".

Across a career spanning over 300 films, he proved his versatility in romance, action, comedy and thrillers, earning the title of the original "He Man of Bollywood" for performing many of his own stunts.

Later, he took on character roles in films like "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya", "Johnny Gaddaar" and "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani". He also acted alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol in the "Yamla Pagla Deewana" series and "Apne".

His on-screen pairing with Hema Malini, whom he married in 1980, produced several celebrated hits, including "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Raja Jani" and "Sholay", in which his portrayal of "Veeru" became a defining performance.

Dharmendra was last seen in "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya", starring alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. His upcoming film, "Ikkis", featuring Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda, is scheduled for release on December 25.

In addition to his film career, Dharmendra was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and served as a Member of Parliament after being elected from Bikaner in 2004 on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket.

He also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and later said that politics was not the right path for him.

He is remembered as a romantic lead, action star and cultural icon whose legacy continues to influence Indian cinema.

Dharmendra leaves behind his wife Hema Malini, children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Vijeta Deol, Ahana Deol and Ajeita Deol, and a host of admirers and fans.