AMN / WEB DESK
Heartbreaking Bollywood’s most handsome and legendary actor Dharam ji is no more.
Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra has passed away. He was 89. •Hema Malini and Esha Deol were spotted by the media on Monday afternoon outside a crematorium. This came two weeks after they brought Hema’s husbad Dharmendra back home from hospital, where he was admitted due to ill health.
Dharmendra, 89, was recently discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital last week and has been recuperating at home.
Dharmendra: The Everlasting ‘He-Man’ of Indian Cinema
In the grand tapestry of Indian cinema, few stars have shone with the timeless brilliance of Dharmendra, a man who effortlessly blended rugged masculinity with soulful charm. Born Dharam Singh Deol in a humble village in Punjab, Dharmendra’s rise from the fields of Sahnewal to the summit of Bollywood stardom is nothing short of cinematic itself.
From Hardship to Heartthrob
Dharmendra arrived in Mumbai in the late 1950s with little more than dreams in his pocket. Winning a talent contest opened the doors to the film industry, but what kept those doors wide open was his unmatched screen presence. His early films, such as Anpadh and Bandini, displayed a quiet intensity that stood out in an era of melodramatic performances.
By the mid-1960s, Dharmendra had become the nation’s heartbeat — a handsome, magnetic hero who could make romance feel poetic and action look effortless. His chocolate-boy charm soon transformed into a signature ruggedness that earned him the iconic title “He-Man of Bollywood.”
A Career Built on Versatility
Dharmendra’s filmography is a treasure chest of classics. From the emotionally nuanced Satyakam, often hailed as his best performance, to the uproarious blockbuster Sholay, where he immortalized the role of Veeru, Dharmendra proved that he was far more than just good looks and brawn.
Whether it was comedy (Chupke Chupke), intense drama (Yaadon Ki Baaraat), romance (Anupama), or action-packed entertainers (Jugnu, Ghulami), Dharmendra slid into every role with natural grace. His on-screen pairings — especially with Hema Malini — became legendary, creating a magic that remains evergreen.
A Gentleman Behind the Camera Lights
Beyond fame, Dharmendra’s charm lies in his humility. He has always been adored for his down-to-earth personality — a man who never let stardom overshadow his warmth. Industry peers often describe him as sentimental, soft-spoken, and generous to a fault.
His love for nature, poetry, and farming paints a portrait of a star who remained rooted despite soaring to heights few could imagine.
A Family of Stars
Dharmendra’s legacy lives not only in his films but also through his family. As the patriarch of the Deol clan, he inspired a new generation—Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and grandchildren who are now forging their own cinematic journeys.
An Icon Who Never Faded
Even today, Dharmendra continues to appear on screen with the same warmth that has filled the hearts of fans for over six decades. His recent roles reflect a maturity and vulnerability that remind audiences why he was — and remains — one of India’s finest actors.
Why Dharmendra Endures
It’s simple: Dharmendra is timeless.
He is the romantic poet, the fearless hero, the gentle farmer, and the emotional soul — all rolled into one. His story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest stars are those who shine brightest not just on screen, but in life itself.
Karan Johar pays tribute
“It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history … but mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry …. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe …. Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… we love you kind Sir…. We will miss you so much…. The heavens are blessed today…. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you…. And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi……