Veteran actor, Dharmendra affectionately known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and ‘Dharam Paaji,' passed away in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89, police confirmed.
Many celebrities mourned the legendary actor's death on social media. The actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, was not keeping well for a while and was in and out of a Mumbai hospital with the family finally deciding to continue his treatment at home earlier this month.
Dharmendra's cremation took place at the Pawan Hans crematorium in the Ville Parle suburb of Mumbai.
Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and Shabana Azmi were among the several celebrities who were at the Juhu crematorium.
While his family, which had criticised the media for declaring Dharmendra dead earlier this month and requested for privacy, has not issued a statement, many celebrities including Karan Johar, Kajol, Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor mourned the actor's death on social media with Johar calling Dharmendra's death the end of an era.
Several media houses had carried reports that Dharmendra had died on November 11 but the actor was discharged the next day and was treated at home since then.
Fondly called Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra’s career stretched over six decades, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cinema. His final on-screen appearance will be in Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25.
Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini and his children - actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol, as well as Ajeeta and Vijeta.
He began his film journey with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960. He later shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in the commercially and critically acclaimed Sholay, a film that redefined Indian cinema and popularised the dacoit western genre.
Over the years, he delivered memorable performances in several hits such as Yaadon Ki Baarat, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Naukar Biwi Ka, Phool Aur Patthar, Betaab, and Ghayal, among many others.
In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012.
Beyond acting, he also explored film production and politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner between 2004-09.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at the age of 19. Years later, he met and fell in love with actor Hema Malini, whom also he married.
(With inputs from Agencies)
