Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, has passed away at the age of 89. The iconic star, who was recently recovering at home after being hospitalized earlier this month, passed away at his Juhu residence on Monday morning. Later, he was cremated at Pawan Hans cremation ground in the presence of close family members.
Apart from his wives Prakash Kaur and actress Hema Malini, Dharmendra is survived by six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol.
Also read: Dharmendra passes away at the age of 89 Live Updates: Veteran actor and Bollywood hero passes away
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Dharmendra’s health issues
The elder was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on November 12 and was said to be stable and recovering at home. At the time, Dr Rajeev Sharma told IANS that the legendary actor has returned home “completely satisfied” after receiving the necessary treatment.
Giving an update on his condition, Dr Sharma had said, “Dharmendra ji has left the hospital with complete satisfaction. His family has taken him home. Everything has been arranged for him.”
“His condition is stable. I request the public not to spread false news but pray for his recovery so that he can celebrate his next birthday with pride,” he said.
The actor was earlier admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on November 10, with sources close to IANS saying that his condition was critical and he was on life support. Even on October 31, Dharmendra was kept under strict medical observation by top doctors in the same hospital.
He will turn 90 on December 8.
Career and upcoming work
Dharmendra was last seen in the 2024 film Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. He was also scheduled to appear in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film, starring Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetrapal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. The film, which also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher, is scheduled to release in December.
Considered one of the most handsome, talented and commercially successful stars in Indian cinema, Dharmendra enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over six decades and appeared in over 300 films. He holds the record for giving the most hit films in Hindi cinema and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
Dharmendra made his acting debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He became famous in the mid-1960s with films like Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahaar Ke.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, he gave blockbuster and memorable performances in many films like Aankhen, Shikar, Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Sita Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratigya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag. Elaan-e-Jung, Tehelka, Anpadh, Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Mamta, Majhli Didi, Satyakam, Naya Zamana, Samadhi, Resham Ki Dori, Chupke Chupke, Dillagi, The Burning Train, Gajab, Do Disha and Hathyaar.
In the late 1990s and onwards, he re-established himself through acclaimed and commercially successful character roles in films such as Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani and Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
(Inputs from IANS)