India's beloved Bollywood star Dharmendra, renowned for his versatility in romantic comedies and action-packed blockbusters, has sadly passed away at the age of 89. The news, confirmed on Monday, has left fans and the film industry in mourning, marking the end of a golden era in Hindi cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, stating on social media, “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.” Dharmendra's recent health struggles culminated in his admission to a Mumbai hospital, where he breathed his last.
Spanning over six decades, Dharmendra's illustrious career boasted appearances in more than 250 films, showcasing his incredible range and charisma. From heartwarming romantic leads to rugged action heroes, he captivated audiences across generations. In the 1980s, his string of high-octane action movies earned him the enduring nickname “He-Man of Bollywood,” symbolizing his larger-than-life screen presence and physical prowess.
Arguably his most iconic role was that of the lovable rogue Veeru in the 1975 cult classic Sholay (“Embers”), a film that redefined Indian cinema with its blend of drama, action, and unforgettable dialogues. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay remains a benchmark for storytelling and character development, with Dharmendra's chemistry alongside Amitabh Bachchan etching it into the hearts of millions.
Beyond acting, Dharmendra's contributions extended to politics as a member of Parliament and production, where he championed films featuring his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol—both established stars in their own right. His family legacy in Bollywood is profound, with six children carrying forward his influence. Dharmendra's dedication to his craft was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, recognizing his immense impact on the arts.
As the industry reflects on his legacy, Dharmendra's final silver-screen appearance awaits in Sriram Raghavan's upcoming thriller Ikkis (“Twenty-one”), slated for release next month. This poignant farewell underscores his timeless appeal. Fans worldwide are sharing memories, clips from his blockbuster hits, and messages of gratitude, ensuring that the “He-Man” lives on through his cinematic treasures. Dharmendra's departure is not just a loss to Bollywood but to global pop culture, reminding us of the enduring magic of Indian storytelling.
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| Source: Video Screenshot |
AFP reports: India’s hugely popular Bollywood star Dharmendra, who was equally at ease in romantic comedies and high-octane action blockbusters, died aged 89 on Monday.
“The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement on social media.
“He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.”
The actor had not been well recently and was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai.
Over a remarkable six-decade career, Dharmendra appeared in more than 250 films, served as a member of parliament, and was honoured with one of India’s highest civilian awards.
In the 1980s, Dharmendra starred in a string of action movies, earning him the nickname “He-Man”.
The most iconic role of his career was arguably the lovable rogue Veeru that he played in the 1975 classic “Sholay” (“Embers”).
The father of six also dabbled in production, with movies starring his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol.
His last film will be Sriram Raghavan’s “Ikkis” (“Twenty-one”) which is set for release next month.
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