Bollywood veteran Dharmendra, known for more than 300 films over six decades, died at home in Mumbai at age 89 after a month-long illness, according to media reports.
Bollywood actor Dharmendra Deol, one of India’s most recognisable film stars and a leading action hero of his generation, has died at the age of 89 in Mumbai. The veteran actor passed away on Monday after a month-long illness and died at home, according to a report from PEOPLES GAZETTE.
Local media said Dharmendra, who is survived by two wives and six children, had been unwell in recent weeks. Although his family did not issue an official statement, colleagues and contemporaries, including Amitabh Bachchan, gathered at a crematorium in the Juhu area of Mumbai for his funeral.
Producer and director Karan Johar paid tribute on Instagram, describing him as “a massive megastar, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema.”
Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra rose to fame after winning a talent competition organised by a film magazine. He moved to Mumbai and made his film debut in 1960, eventually appearing in more than 300 movies spanning arthouse films, romances, action hits and comedies. His role in the 1975 cult classic “Sholay” cemented his status in Indian popular culture, with his dialogue from the film remaining influential and widely referenced.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur before his rise to stardom and later married actress Hema Malini in 1980. He also served as a member of the Indian Parliament from 2004 to 2009.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.”