Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, has died at the age of 89 at his Mumbai residence after a brief illness. The legendary star, born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, had been hospitalized earlier in October for respiratory issues but was discharged to continue recovery at home.
With a career spanning over six decades, Dharmendra featured in some of Hindi cinema’s most beloved films, including Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Chupke Chupke, Yaadon Ki Baarat, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. In 2012, he received the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian film.
His funeral took place at the Pawan Hans crematorium, attended by family members and top Bollywood personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Sanjay Dutt. Tributes poured in from across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries describing his death as the end of an era.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. His final screen appearance will be in the upcoming war drama Ikkis, set for release later this year.