Dharmendra: Bollywood's 'He-Man' dies in Mumbai aged 89

The Bollywood star Dharmendra has died aged 89 in the Indian city of Mumbai.

He had been in and out of the city’s Breach Candy hospital for several days, and had been recuperating at home.

The cause of his death is currently not known.

Dubbed Bollywood’s “He-Man”, Dharmendra was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of Hindi cinema.

Bollywood actor Dharmendra poses on his 88th birthday at his home in Mumbai on December 8, 2023. Getty Images

Best known for his role as Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades and across more than 300 films.

Paying tribute on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his loss “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema”.

He added: “The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth.”

Dharmendra (left) in Sholay with Amitabh Bachchan (right). Sippy Films

Following the news of his death, fans and members of the public gathered at Vile Parle crematorium to pay their respects – a common practise in India when a public figure passes away.

Dharmendra leaves behind arguably one of international cinema’s most prolific legacies – and it all began with a contest.

He was born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district in a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family.

His family were initially against him moving to Mumbai to try and make it big as an actor – he was the eldest son and had family responsibilities.

But when his application to the All India Talent Contest by Filmfare magazine was successful, he debuted with with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 – the rest was history.

He also dabbled in politics briefly, as the BJP MP from Bikaner in Rajasthan for one term, from 2005 to 2009.

Despite declining health, Dharmendra was still active in the industry, with his most recent film Ikkis set to be released posthumously next month.

News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Hindi film industry on social media.

Actor Akshay Kumar said Dharmendra “was the hero every boy wanted to be”, adding: “You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread.”

Director Karan Johar, who most recently worked with Dharmendra on the 2023 blockbuster Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahanii, described his death as the “end of an era”.

Johar added: “Today there is a gaping hole in our industry…It will always be my blessing to have worked with you.”

The director and screenwriter Madhur Bhandarkar wrote: “I had the privilege of meeting him many times, he was always vibrant & full of humor. His remarkable contributions mark the end of an era in Indian cinema and will be eternally remembered.”

Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol.