Veteran actor Dharmendra, affectionately called the “He-Man” of Bollywood, passed away on Monday at his residence in Mumbai after battling a prolonged illness. He was 89 and would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8. A prayer meeting is expected later this week, with the location yet to be confirmed.
Dharmendra was cremated in a private ceremony at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, in contrast to the large public funerals often accorded to film stars.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in a Punjabi Jat family in Dangon village, Ludhiana, he made his acting debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He rose to prominence in the 1960s with films like Anpadh, Bandini, Anupama, and Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke. His career-defining performances came in blockbuster hits like Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Dream Girl.
With over 300 films across six decades, Dharmendra carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. Notably, he delivered nine consecutive hits in 1973 and seven consecutive hits in 1987, a record that still stands.
The actor received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Film Awards in 1997 and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012.
The legendary actor last appeared in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, sharing screen space with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. He will be seen next in Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, releasing on December 25, with the first poster unveiled on November 24.
