Bollywood star Dharmendra, a legend of Indian cinema, dies aged 89

Tributes roll in for 'irreplaceable' actor who 'shaped very soul' of film industry over six decades

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  Dharmendra in 2007. Getty Images

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  Dharmendra and Hema Mailini during their daughter's wedding in Mumbai. Getty Images

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  Dharmendra and his sons, Bobby Deol, (left) and Sunny Deol perform during the 2011 International Indian Film Academy awards in Toronto. AFP

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  Shahrukh Khan, Dharmendra (centre) and Aamir Khan during a launch ceremony for the Hindi film Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. AFP

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  With actress Rekha at the 2011 Dadasaheb Phalke Awards in Mumbai. AFP

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  Film actor Dharmendra at his Juhu residence in Mumbai in 2008. Getty Images

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  Dharmendra (right) and Amitabh Bachchan at the comedy-drama film Yamla Pagla Deewana music launch in Mumbai. AFP

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  Starring with Amjad Khan in Hindi film Sholay. Alamy

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  Celebrating his 88th birthday at his residence in Mumbai. AFP

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  Dancing with Sunny Deol (right) and Bobby Deol (left) during the Yamla Pagla Deewana music launch in Mumbai. AFP

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  Celebrating his 80th birthday at Sunny Super Sound Studio in Mumbai. AFP

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  Celebrating his 89th birthday with with his sons Sunny Deol (right) and Bobby Deol (left) in Mumbai on December 8, 2024. AFP

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  With his wife Hema Malini (right) and daughter Esha Deol, promoting the Hindi film Tell Me O Khuda in Mumbai. AFP

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  With Lata Mangeshkar during Shiv Gaurav Puraskar 2011 in Mumbai. Getty Images

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  With sons Sunny Deol (left) and Bobby Deol on the set of Yamla Pagla Deewana in Mumbai in 2010. AFP

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  Relaxing at home. Getty Images

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  Supporting the launch of Hema Malini's new album, Dream Girl, in Mumbai. Getty Images

Bollywood actor and former politician Dharmendra, whose career spanned more than six decades and more than 300 films, has been described as a “legend of Indian cinema” after his death at the age of 89.

While his family has yet to confirm news of his passing, film director and producer Karan Johar, who is close to them, posted an obituary on Monday calling it “the end of an era”. Dharmendra was admitted to a Mumbai hospital earlier this month.

“Today there is a gaping hole in our industry, a space that can never be filled by anyone,” Johar posted on Instagram. “The embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema, incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence, he is and will always be a bona fide Legend of Indian Cinema.

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“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.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a tribute, calling Dharmendra "an iconic film personality".

"The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played," Modi posted on X. "The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti."

Huge crowds gathered outside a Mumbai crematorium on Monday afternoon as Malini and daughter Esha Deol along with a number of Bollywood actors arrived for the funeral dressed in white, the colour traditionally worn for mourning in Hindu funerals.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, his son and actor Abhishek Bachchan, actor Salman Khan and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur were among stars photographed at the Vile Parle Crematorium.

Crowds gather outside the Vile Parle Crematorium in Mumbai as celebrities arrive for the funeral of Dharmendra. EPA

One of Indian cinema’s original superstars, Dharmendra was celebrated for his matinee-idol looks, humility and versatility. He became one of the most commercially successful actors of his time, starring in enduring blockbusters such as Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Chupke Chupke (1975) and Sholay (1975).

Tributes have been rolling in from across the industry. Actress Kajol, who posted a photo of the actor with her son Yug, 15, posted on Instagram: “The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it. Somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always. RIP Dharamji … with love always.”

Kajol's husband, actor and producer Ajay Devgn, called Dharmendra “a legend”.

“His warmth, generosity and presence inspired generations of artists,” he wrote. “We've lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema.”

Actor and director Farhan Akhtar called him “irreplaceable”.

“Thank you for six decades of entertainment,” he said. “We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen.”

Actress Raveena Tandon posted with a broken heart emoji: “Handsomest man on the silver screen with a golden heart.”

Dharmendra, right, with Amjad Khan in Sholay, considered one of the greatest Indian films of all time. Alamy

Born in Punjab on December 8, 1935, Dharmendra moved to Mumbai in the 1950s to pursue acting. He made his screen debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), but it was Shola Aur Shabnam (1961) that brought him his first commercial success. A string of hits followed – from Anpadh (1962) and Bandini (1963) to Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), in which he played a rare antagonist. The 1966 drama Phool Aur Patthar, a major box-office hit, firmly established his star status.

The 1970s cemented Dharmendra’s legend, marking both his peak as a leading man and the beginning of his celebrated on-screen partnership with Hema Malini – a pairing that would eventually lead to marriage.

Their relationship drew controversy at the time, as Dharmendra was already married with four children, but their chemistry proved irresistible to audiences. The couple appeared together in 31 films, including Jeevan Mrityu and Sharafat (both 1970) and Dost (1974). Their most well-known collaboration, Sholay (1975), remains one of India’s most beloved films, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and Sanjeev Kumar.

Dharmendra, centre, along with his sons Sunny Deol, right, and Bobby Deol during his 89th birthday at his residence in Mumbai on December 8, 2024. AFP

Dharmendra continued acting throughout his life, often sharing the screen with his sons, actors Sunny and Bobby Deol, from his first marriage. Their 2011 comedy Yamla Pagla Deewana spawned two sequels. He also appeared in Tell Me O Khuda (2011), directed by Hema Malini and featuring their daughter Esha Deol. The couple’s younger daughter, Ahana Deol, also briefly pursued acting.

Outside films, Dharmendra served one term as a Member of Parliament representing the Bharatiya Janata Party, though he was often criticised for his limited attendance in Parliament, preferring to focus on his film career.

Dharmendra with his wife Hema Malini, right, and daughter, actress Esha Deol in 2011. AFP

He also founded Vijayta Films in 1983, a production house that launched several successful projects, and later appeared as a judge on India’s Got Talent in 2011.

When asked what sustained him after decades in the spotlight, Dharmendra told The Asian Age in 2016: “I am a simple man with simple needs. What keeps me going is not fame, fortune or success but the love of the people.”