In brief
Dharmendra, a prolific Bollywood icon and celebrated actor known for his roles in classics like 'Sholay', has passed away at 89. His charm and talent captivated millions, and his legacy in Indian cinema remains unparalleled. Leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledged his contribution and expressed deep condolences.
Bollywood star Dharmendra has died in the Indian city of Mumbai at the age of 89.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, saying his passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.
Dharmendra, who often described himself as a simple man, commanded extraordinary affection and loyalty from his tens of millions of fans.
Best known as Veeru, the lovable petty criminal in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, he appeared in over 300 films, many hits, captivating audiences for decades.
Songs featuring him topped the charts, and his romance and marriage with Hema Malini made headlines.
Dubbed the original He-Man of Bollywood and Garam (hot) Dharam, the actor often made it to global lists of most handsome men in his heyday and female fans were known to sleep with his photographs under their pillows.
Bollywood stars weren't immune to his charms either - over the years actress Madhuri Dixit described him as one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen, superstar Salman Khan said Dharmendra was the most beautiful looking man and actress Jaya Bachchan called him a Greek God.
Dharmendra always said he was embarrassed by talk of his good looks and attributed it to nature, my parents and my genes.
Born on 8 December 1935 in Punjab, he won a talent contest and moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), eventually ruling Bollywood for three decades after debuting in 1960.
He was praised for his roles in films like Bandini and Mera Gaon Mera Desh, establishing himself as both a romantic and action hero.
His successful pairing with Hema Malini fueled both their careers and their personal lives, culminating in their marriage in 1980.
Despite his cinematic success, Dharmendra briefly ventured into politics and expressed a sense of misfit in that realm.
His legacy will be forever intertwined with his iconic role as Veeru in Sholay, a film that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues, reflecting on his immense talent and the void left by his passing.
