Dharmendra Deol, the iconic "He-Man" of Bollywood and one of Indian cinema's most enduring legends, died today at his residence in Mumbai. He was 89 years old.
The veteran actor, whose real name was Dharam Singh Deol, had been receiving treatment at Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai in recent weeks before being discharged on November 12. His death marks the end of an era for Hindi cinema, where he starred in over 300 films across six decades, captivating audiences with his effortless blend of rugged machismo, romantic charm, and comedic flair.
Dharmendra made his screen debut in 1960 with *Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere* and quickly rose to stardom as a leading man in the 1960s and 1970s. He became synonymous with action-packed roles, earning his "He-Man" moniker for portrayals of heroic, larger-than-life figures. Among his most celebrated films are the cult classic *Sholay* (1975), where he played the charismatic bandit hunter Veeru alongside Amitabh Bachchan, as well as *Phool Aur Patthar* (1966), *Dharam Veer* (1977), and *The Burning Train* (1980). His versatility extended to romantic leads in films like *Bandini* (1963) and poignant dramas such as *Satyakam* (1969), showcasing a depth that resonated across generations.
Off-screen, Dharmendra was a family man and producer, founding Vijayta Films, which launched the careers of his sons, Sunny Deol (*Betaab*, 1983) and Bobby Deol (*Barsaat*, 1995). He was married to actress Hema Malini, with whom he shared daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. His first marriage to Prakash Kaur produced Sunny and Bobby, along with daughters Vijayta and Ajeeta. Dharmendra's estimated net worth at the time of his passing stood between ₹335 crore and ₹450 crore, reflecting his prolific career and business ventures.
News of his death, first confirmed by filmmaker Karan Johar on social media, prompted an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment world and beyond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss as "the end of an era," praising Dharmendra's ability to "bring charm and depth to every role." Tributes flooded in from contemporaries and younger stars alike: Amitabh Bachchan called him a "phenomenal actor"; Shah Rukh Khan hailed his "vibrant" spirit; and Rajinikanth remembered him as a "warm and genuine soul." International figures, including Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, also mourned the icon whose influence extended far beyond Bollywood.
In a mark of respect, the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa canceled all entertainment programs scheduled for today, including stage events, while the release of a song from Aditya Dhar's *Dhurandhar* was postponed. Celebrities such as Rekha, Sanjay Dutt, Kajol, and Shilpa Shetty visited the Deol residence to offer condolences, and the funeral rites were conducted at Mumbai's Pawan Hans Crematorium, attended by family, including Hema Malini and Esha Deol, as well as industry stalwarts like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar.
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