Legendary Actor Dharmendra Dies at 89; Tributes Pour In Across India

Legendary Actor Dharmendra Dies at 89; Tributes Pour In Across India

NEWS BY ~ MALAIKA KHAN

MUMBAI — Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated stars and widely adored as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” died Monday in Mumbai. He was 89.

The veteran actor had been receiving treatment at Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai in recent days, family sources said. As the news spread, leaders from politics, film, and sports paid emotional tribute to a performer whose charm and versatility defined multiple generations of Hindi cinema.

Dharmendra — born Dharam Singh Deol — rose from small-town Punjab to become a marquee name in the 1960s and ’70s. He headlined a long list of classics, including Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Pratiggya and the enduring blockbuster Sholay. Even in recent years, he continued to work, appearing in Karan Johar’s 2023 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Tributes From Across Political Spectrum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and chief ministers from several states expressed grief, describing his death as the end of an era.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini wrote on X that Dharmendra “carved a special place in the hearts of millions with his powerful acting and simplicity.” Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the actor’s legacy “will remain immortal.”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called him “an artist beloved by generations,” while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Indian cinema had lost a “shining star from its golden age.”

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Actors across the country shared deeply personal memories. Mohanlal said Dharmendra’s warmth would “live on forever.” Akshay Kumar remembered him as “the hero every boy wanted to be.” Ajay Devgn praised his generosity. Director Karan Johar called him “a bona fide legend” who defined the Indian hero.

Saira Banu, who co-starred with Dharmendra and remained close to him, was shaken. “He is family,” she told PTI, recalling his lifelong bond with her late husband, Dilip Kumar. “I thought we would celebrate his birthday.”

Cricket icon Virat Kohli also joined in, saying India had “lost a legend who captivated hearts with his charm and talent.”

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Fans and Friends Bid Farewell

Bollywood veterans gathered in Mumbai for the final rites. Amitabh Bachchan — Dharmendra’s beloved “Jai” to his “Veeru” in Sholay — attended with son Abhishek. Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan, Govinda and Rajinikanth also paid their respects. “Farewell, my friend,” Rajinikanth wrote. “I will always remember your golden heart.”

Actor Sonu Sood said Dharmendra inspired his own acting journey. “There will never be another like him,” he wrote. Telugu actor Nikhil Siddhartha recalled refusing to eat as a child unless Sholay was playing.

Dharmendra’s screen presence, everyman heroism, and poetic heart made him one of India’s most enduring icons. His passing leaves a void that stretches far beyond the film industry — a true end of an era.