Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and enduring stars, died on Monday at the age of 89.

The veteran actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, had been in and out of a Mumbai hospital for weeks before his passing.

CNN reports that a senior police official who spoke with the actor’s doctor confirmed the death, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.

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Dharmendra, often celebrated as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” appeared in more than 300 films over his six-decade career.

From brooding romantic hero to action star and comic performer, his versatility shaped the landscape of Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, turning him into a household name across India and far beyond.

His death triggered an outpouring of grief, including from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described him as a “phenomenal actor” whose artistry left a lasting imprint.

“He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people,” Modi said on social media platform X.”

Widely known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” Dharmendra blended the rugged charisma of an action hero with the warmth of a romantic lead, becoming one of India’s most enduring screen legends.

Although he rose to fame playing upright, patriotic, larger-than-life protagonists, his effortless charm in romantic hits also made him immensely popular.
His role in Sholay (1975), Bollywood’s homage to the Spaghetti Western and considered one of India’s greatest films, earned him lasting acclaim.

He starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan in the film, and their on-screen camaraderie went on to become one of Bollywood’s most iconic pairings.
Dharmendra’s versatility shone through in a range of Hindi-language successes, from the beloved comedy Chupke Chupke (1975) to the action-packed Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), cementing him as one of the most recognizable faces of his era.

His chemistry with actress Hema Malini, later his wife, produced more than two dozen films and became one of Bollywood’s most celebrated collaborations. But their relationship was steeped in controversy.

Dharmendra had married Prakash Kaur before entering the film industry and had four children with her, including future actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.

However, despite marrying Malini in 1980, he reportedly never divorced Kaur and continued living with her.

Local media reported that he briefly converted to Islam before his marriage to Malini, as Indian law does not allow Hindus to marry a second time if their spouse is still alive.

Dharmendra and Malini had two daughters, including actor Esha Deol. His nephew, Abhay Deol, also later joined the film industry.

As his career progressed, Dharmendra shifted toward character-driven roles, frequently portraying fatherly figures in the 1990s and 2000s.

His career stretched into 2025, with his final appearance in the war biopic Ikkis. “I never thought I would come this far,” he reflected in a 2021 interview with Rediff.

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in 1935 in Punjab, he grew up in a farming family before moving to Mumbai in the late 1950s.

He made his Bollywood debut in 1960 and went on to feature in more than 300 films across six decades.

In 2012, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to cinema.

He also had a brief political career, serving as a Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker from 2004 to 2009.

Dharmendra is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren.