Dharmendra's final curtain falls at 89

Dharmendra Singh Deol, known widely by his first name and celebrated as one of Bollywood's most versatile and charismatic performers, died at his home in Mumbai on Monday, after a month of illness, according to Indian media outlets.

The veteran actor was 89. Local reports, including those from Filmfare and ABP News, stated that Dharmendra had been placed on life support after returning from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been receiving treatment for heart-related complications before his condition deteriorated further.

Although his family has not issued an official statement, the presence of several prominent figures, including his contemporaries and actor Amitabh Bachchan, at a crematorium in Mumbai's Juhu area lent weight to widespread reports of his funeral rites.

Dharmendra's status as an iconic figure was further underscored when producer and director Karan Johar paid tribute online, calling him "a massive mega star" and describing the veteran as the embodiment of a classic mainstream hero in Indian cinema.

Born in pre-partition Punjab province in 1935, Dharmendra's path into the film industry began when he won a talent competition organised by a film magazine, a moment that prompted his move to Mumbai and led to his first screen appearance in 1960.

His early career evolved rapidly, with the actor taking on roles that spanned arthouse productions, tender romances, energetic action dramas and light-hearted comedies, ultimately establishing him as the leading star of his generation and a beloved figure for millions.

Over the decades, he appeared in more than 300 films, building a body of work so extensive and varied that it remains one of the most recognisable filmographies in Bollywood history, earning him the affectionate title of the "He-Man" of Indian cinema.

Among his most acclaimed works was the 1975 cult classic 'Sholay', in which he portrayed one half of a pair of small-time thieves recruited to capture a notorious bandit, a role that cemented his place in the country's cinematic folklore.

The film's enduring popularity ensured that his dialogues became part of Indian popular culture, with some lines transforming into memes in recent years and reintroducing his legacy to younger audiences familiar with digital culture and online humour.

Dharmendra married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, before rising to stardom, and later married actor Hema Malini in 1980 after appearing alongside her in several films, while still remaining married to Prakash, creating a widely discussed personal chapter.

He is survived by six children, many of whom have continued the family's long association with the film industry, contributing to a multi-generational cinematic legacy that remains deeply rooted in Indian popular culture.

Dharmendra's career also extended beyond films, as he served as a lawmaker in the Indian parliament between 2004 and 2009, adding a political dimension to a life that had already spanned several cultural and artistic arenas.

Indian President Draupadi Murmu and several public figures expressed condolences, praising the actor as an "iconic film personality" and a "phenomenal actor" whose performances carried depth and charm.

At the Pawan Hans Crematorium, where his final rites were reportedly held, fans gathered alongside celebrities and colleagues, forming a crowd that reflected the scale of affection the veteran commanded across social and generational lines.

The emotional reactions seen on Indian social media platforms further illustrated the depth of his connection with the public, with users revisiting scenes from his films and sharing memories that highlighted his enduring screen presence.

Dharmendra's legacy is rooted not only in the volume of his work but also in the remarkable ease with which he shifted between roles that required emotional vulnerability, physical intensity or comedic timing, showcasing a versatility few have matched.

His portrayals in films such as 'Chupke Chupke', 'Anupama' and 'Satyakam' added layers to his reputation by demonstrating his ability to balance restraint with charisma, qualities that continued to make him relevant across changing eras of filmmaking.

Despite the many accolades he received, Dharmendra was also known for his humility, a characteristic repeatedly mentioned in tributes that emphasised his warmth, generosity and the affection he showed towards fans throughout his long career.

His reported passing at 89 marks the end of a monumental chapter in Bollywood history, leaving behind a legacy defined by unforgettable performances, cultural impact and an enduring bond with audiences who followed him from his debut to his final years.