Beloved Hindi cinema star Dharmendra dies at 89

Dharmendra, the star who wrote himself into showbiz legend in a 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from “Satyakam’ to “Sholay”, died here on Monday, police said here. He was 89.

There was no confirmation from the family.

The actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, was not keeping well for a while and was in and out of a Mumbai hospital with the family finally deciding to continue his treatment at home earlier this month.

A police statement said Dharmendra died this morning and funeral arrangements are being made at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Ville Parle suburb of Mumbai.

An ambulance and several cars left Dharmendra’s Juhu residence and Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were seen at the crematorium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dharmendra, saying his death marks “the end of an era in Indian cinema”.

“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. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people.

“Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti,” PM Modi posted on X.

Salman Khan and his father, scriptwriter Salim Khan, were also spotted at the crematorium.

But the family, which had criticised the media for declaring Dharmendra dead earlier this month and requested for privacy, has kept quiet so far.

Several media houses had carried reports that Dharmendra had died on November 11 but the actor was discharged the next day and has been treated at home since then.

Many celebrities including Karan Johar, Kajol, Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor mourned the actor’s death on social media.

“It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history … but mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry,” Karan wrote in a post on X.

Kajol shared a post of her son Yug and the late actor, “The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always . RIP Dharamji .. with love always,” she wrote on Instagram.

Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, enjoyed a remarkable six-decade career, featuring in over 300 films and headlining classics such as “Sholay”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Satyakam, “Anupama”, “Seeta Aur Geeta” and many others. He was widely celebrated for his versatility across action, romance and comedy.

Dharmendra is survived by his wife Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha and Ahana.