Bollywood Mourns the Loss of Iconic Actor Dharmendra
The Indian film industry lost one of its most beloved stars as veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on Tuesday in Mumbai at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar through a heartfelt post on social media platform X.
The legendary actor was scheduled to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8 this year, making his passing particularly poignant for fans and colleagues alike.
Tributes Pour In for the Cinema Legend
Javed Akhtar's emotional tribute captured the sentiment of the entire film fraternity: "With Dharm Ji an era of Indian film industry has come to its end. He was a perfect combination of masculinity and gentleness. Dignity and humility. Charm and power. Anyone who looks at his body of work will know that he was an actor for all seasons."
Akhtar further described Dharmendra as "a kind and polite person with a heart of gold" and extended his deepest condolences to the Deol family.
Recent Health Challenges and Medical History
The veteran actor had been facing health issues in recent months. In October, Dharmendra was hospitalized for a routine health check-up. His medical team had initially assured that he was doing well but decided to extend his hospital stay to undergo proper medical screening.
Earlier this year, Dharmendra underwent corneal transplantation surgery to address eye-related health concerns. Despite these challenges, he remained active in the film industry with upcoming projects.
From Punjab Village to Bollywood Stardom
Born Dharmendra Deol in 1935 in Sahnewal village of Ludhiana district, Punjab, the actor came from humble beginnings as the son of a school teacher. His journey to stardom began when he won a national talent contest organized by a film magazine, which paved his way into Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra made his film debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, though it was his 1961 film Shola Aur Shabnam that marked his first commercial success. He quickly established himself with notable performances in critically acclaimed films like Anpadh (1962) and Bimal Roy's National Award-winning Bandini (1963).
The Rise of Bollywood's 'He-Man'
Dharmendra's career transformed significantly with Phool Aur Patthar, which marked his first action role and eventually earned him the iconic title of 'He-Man of Bollywood'. The 1970s proved to be the golden era of his career, featuring him in some of Indian cinema's most memorable films.
His impressive filmography from this period includes:
- Jeevan Mrityu
- Tum Haseen Main Jawan
- Guddi
- Yaadon Ki Baraat
- Sholay
- Chupke Chupke
- Seeta Aur Geeta
- The Burning Train
His role as Veeru in the cult classic Sholay remains his most iconic performance, cementing his place in Indian cinema history.
Personal Life: A Real-Life Love Story
Dharmendra's personal life captured public imagination almost as much as his films. During the filming of Tum Haseen Main Jawan - which marked Hema Malini's debut - the two lead actors developed a deep connection that would become one of Bollywood's most talked-about love stories.
Despite being married to Prakash Kaur and father to four children - sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Ajeeta and Vijayta - Dharmendra fell in love with Hema Malini during the 1970s. Their relationship faced significant opposition from Hema's family and industry circles, with discussions of her alliance with Jeetendra adding to the drama.
Defying all odds, Dharmendra and Hema Malini got married in 1980 and later welcomed two daughters - Esha and Ahana. In a unique family arrangement, Dharmendra continued to live with his first wife Prakash and their children, while Hema resided nearby.
Later Career and Political Foray
In the latter part of his career, Dharmendra gracefully transitioned to character roles, appearing in successful films like Life in a Metro, Johnny Gaddar, Apne, and more recently, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
His final film Ikkis, co-starring Agastya Nanda, is scheduled for release in December this year.
The actor also had a brief political career, serving as Member of Parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan, during 2004-2009. While he didn't return to politics, his wife Hema Malini continues to serve as MP, and son Sunny Deol has also been active in politics.
Legacy and Family Business
Dharmendra established his production house, Vijayta Films, in 1983, launching his son Sunny Deol with the successful film Betaab. The banner produced several notable films including Ghayal, which won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
The veteran actor was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema.
His production house recently launched his grandson Karan Deol with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, continuing the Deol family legacy in Bollywood.
Dharmendra is survived by his two wives - Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Ajeeta, Vijayta, Esha and Ahana. The Indian film industry has truly lost one of its brightest stars, whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and film enthusiasts.
