The world of Indian cinema is in mourning following the death of beloved Bollywood star Dharmendra at the age of 89. The actor passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over six decades.
A Nation and an Industry in Mourning
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, expressing profound sorrow on social media platform X. "The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema," Modi stated. He further praised the actor as "an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played." The Prime Minister emphasized that Dharmendra's ability to connect with audiences through diverse roles resonated with countless people.
The actor had been in poor health recently and was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai prior to his passing.
An Illustrious and Prolific Career
Dharmendra's remarkable career in film saw him appear in more than 250 movies. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between romantic comedies and high-octane action blockbusters. His prowess in the action genre during the 1980s earned him the fitting nickname "He-Man."
Beyond his film work, Dharmendra's life was one of public service and recognition. He served as a member of India's parliament and was honoured with one of the country's highest civilian awards.
Enduring Legacy and Final Project
For many fans and critics alike, the most iconic role of his career was that of the lovable rogue Veeru in the 1975 classic "Sholay" ("Embers"), a film that remains a cornerstone of Indian pop culture.
Dharmendra also ventured into film production, often collaborating with his sons, fellow actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. His final film will be Sriram Raghavan’s "Ikkis" ("Twenty-one"), which is scheduled for release next month.
A father of six, Dharmendra is survived by a family that continues his legacy in the Indian film industry.
