Bollywood legend, Dharmendra, dies at 89
Bollywood legend, Dharam Singh Deol, professionally known as Dharmendra, has died in Mumbai at the age of 89.
His death prompted tributes from across India, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said his death “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema”.
Celebrated for his versatility and charm, Dharmendra often described himself as “a simple man”, yet he commanded immense loyalty from millions of fans.
Best known for playing Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, he appeared in more than 300 films over several decades, becoming one of Bollywood’s most recognisable stars.
He gained further fame through hit songs, as well as his widely publicised romance and eventual marriage to actress Hema Malini. Referred to as the “original He-Man of Bollywood” and “Garam (hot) Dharam”, he frequently featured on global lists of the “most handsome men” of his era.
Admirers included Bollywood colleagues: actress Madhuri Dixit once called him “one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen”, Salman Khan described him as “most beautiful looking man”, and Jaya Bachchan referred to him as “a Greek God”.
Dharmendra often said he was “embarrassed” by such praise, crediting his looks to “nature, my parents and my genes”.
Born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, he was named Dharam Singh Deol by his schoolteacher father.
Although his father hoped he would focus on his studies, Dharmendra fell in love with cinema early. He recalled watching his first film in ninth standard, saying: “I watched my first film when I was in the ninth standard and I was hooked… I thought I must find my way there.”
His family initially disapproved, but after he entered and unexpectedly won the Filmfare All India Talent Contest, he moved to Bombay to pursue acting.
He made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere and went on to dominate Bollywood for three decades. He rose to prominence with Bimal Roy’s Bandini in 1963 and became a leading romantic star, pairing with top actresses including Nutan, Meena Kumari, Mala Sinha and Saira Banu.
His transition to action films began with Phool Aur Patthar in 1966, with Mera Gaon Mera Desh in 1971 cementing his status as an action hero known for performing his own stunts.
He also excelled in comedy and thrillers, earning praise “for his impeccable comic timing” in the 1975 hit Chupke Chupke.
Although he starred alongside 70 heroines, his most iconic on-screen partnership was with Hema Malini, who later became his second wife. Their romance began in the 1970s during films such as Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, and Sholay. Malini recounted in her 2017 biography that she once heard him tell Shashi Kapoor, “Kudi badi changi hai (The girl is quite pretty)”.
Their relationship faced media scrutiny, especially as Dharmendra was already married with grown children, and reports of family resistance circulated before they married in 1980. Claims that the couple converted to Islam to wed, permitted under Islamic law, were later denied by Dharmendra.
He briefly entered politics, serving one term as BJP MP for Bikaner from 2005 to 2009, but was criticised for poor attendance in parliament. Reflecting on the experience in Aap Ki Adalat, he said: “Politics is not for emotional people, it’s for the thick-skinned… These five years were very tough for me; they were difficult.”
Dharmendra continued acting almost until his final years, appearing in films with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, judging reality shows, and staying active on social media to engage with fans.
