Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, often called the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, has died at the age of 89. He passed away at his home in Mumbai on November 24 after a brief illness.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor on X (formerly Twitter), saying, his passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.
Born in Punjab, India in 1935, Dharmendra made his film debut in 1960 and appeared in more than 300 films over a career spanning six decades.
Known for his athletic build, good looks, and enduring charm, he played a wide range of roles—from romantic leads to action heroes—and maintained an active lifestyle in his later years, often retreating to his large farmhouse outside the city. His performance in the cult classic Sholay remains one of the most iconic in Indian cinema.
He was first married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children: Sunny, Bobby, Ajeeta, and Vijeta. Later, he married actress Hema Malini, and they had two daughters, Esha and Ahana. Among his children, Sunny, Bobby, and Esha followed him into films, continuing the family’s cinematic legacy.
In addition to acting, Dharmendra served in the Indian Parliament from 2004 to 2009 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to cinema. Tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and the Indian diaspora worldwide, marking the end of an era in Bollywood history.
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