Bollywood Legend “He-Man” Dharmendra Dies at 89

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Mumbai after a period of illness.

With a career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films, Dharmendra rose from rural Punjab to become one of India’s most beloved stars, seamlessly transitioning between action, romance and comedy.

Born in December 1935, he entered the film industry in 1960 and became iconic through roles in blockbusters such as "Sholay" (1975) and Seeta Aur Geeta (1972). His screen presence, muscular yet charismatic, earned him the “He-Man” moniker, while his on-screen pairing with actress Hema Malini became a hallmark of the era.

Off-screen, his family life was equally high-profile: he is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, his second wife, Hema Malini, and six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol.

In addition to his cinematic achievements, Dharmendra briefly ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2004 to 2009.

He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contribution to Indian cinema. His death prompted a wave of tributes across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling his passing “the end of an era”.

Dharmendra’s legacy endures through his films, his distinctive style and his enduring connection with generations of fans. His final screen appearance is expected posthumously in the war drama Ikkis, scheduled for release later this year.

Source: Associated Press, Reuters, The Guardian