He-Man of Bollywood Dharmendra Passes Away at 89

Mumbai — Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” has passed away at the age of 89, sources close to IANS confirmed.

The actor had been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, where he was said to be stable and recovering at home. At the time, Dr. Rajiv Sharma stated that Dharmendra had gone home “fully satisfied” after treatment, and urged the public not to spread false reports, but to pray for his recovery.

However, earlier reports from November 10 had indicated that the legendary star was critical and on life support. On October 31, he was under strict medical observation by top doctors at the same hospital.

Dharmendra would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8.

A Legendary Career Spanning Six Decades

Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved, handsome, and bankable actors, worked in over 300 films throughout a career spanning more than 60 years. He holds the record for the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

He made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and rose to fame in the mid-1960s with films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke.

From the late 1960s through the 1980s, he starred in numerous blockbusters, including Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Elaan-E-Jung, Tahalka, Anpadh, Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Mamta, Majhli Didi, Satyakam, Naya Zamana, Samadhi, Resham Ki Dori, Chupke Chupke, Dillagi, The Burning Train, Ghazab, Do Dishayen, and Hathyar.

In the late 1990s and beyond, Dharmendra transitioned into impactful character roles in films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a... Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

His Final Works

Dharmendra was last seen on screen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. He was set to appear in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, alongside Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. The film, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal, also features Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher, and is slated for release in December.

The passing of Dharmendra marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a monumental legacy that shaped generations of film lovers.

--With inputs from IANS