Actor Dharmendra died at the age of 89 at his home in Mumbai on Monday, November 24, reported news agency IANS. The veteran actor had been admitted due to respiratory issues at Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month. Celebrated as the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra leaves behind a remarkable cinematic legacy spanning over six decades. His final on-screen appearance will be in 'Ikkis', set to release on December 25.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and six children -- actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol, along with Ajeeta and Vijeta.
Regarded as one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, Dharmendra began his career with the 1960 film 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere'. The actor, who proved his talent equally in intense and comic roles, was felicitated with Padma Bhushan, the nation's third highest civilian honour from the Government of India, in 2012. In his career spanning six decades, he went on to work in numerous hits including 'Sholay', 'Yaadon Ki Baarat', 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', 'Pratiggya', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Naukar Biwi Ka', 'Phool Aur Patthar', 'Satyakam', 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', 'Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya', 'Aaye Din Bahar Ke', 'Ankhen', 'Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke', 'Jeevan Mrityu', 'Jugnu', 'Charas', 'Dharam Veer', 'Azaad', 'Ghazab', 'Loha', 'Hukumat' and 'Apne'.
His production, 'Ghayal', starring son Sunny Deol, won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Dharmendra also won Best Actor trophies at the Filmfare Awards, for his roles in 'Phool Aur Patthar', 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat', 'Resham Ki Dori'.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, in a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at the age of 19, before entering the film industry. Later, he married actor Hema Malini.
Even at 89, Dharmendra remained active on social media, often sharing videos that promoted healthy living and an organic lifestyle. Many of his Instagram posts featured him driving a tractor, tending to his farm, and offering simple life lessons and farming tips to his fans. He last appeared on screen in the 2024 rom-com, 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya', starring shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.
Source: India Today