In a major development, Bollywood veteran actor famously called as the 'He-Man of Bollywood' Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. On November 12, Dharmendra had got discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai and was said to be in a stable condition and recovering well at home.
Earlier, there were reports of Dharmendra's death on November 11th. However, actress Hema Malini and the veteran actor's daughter Esha Deol expressed their displeasure, dismissing these reports.
Notably, videos are doing rounds on social media that suggest that Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan have arrived at Vile Parle Crematorium in Mumbai (while writing). Esha Gupta was also seen arriving at the Crematorium ground for Dharmendra's last rites.
Karan Johar took to his Instagram handle and wrote-
"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 …. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe …. Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… we love you kind Sir…. We will miss you so much…. The heavens are blessed today…. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you…. And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi……OM SHANTI"
On the professional front, Dharmendra was last seen in the movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya in 2024. The movie starred actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The actor is set to star next in the movie 'Ikkis', directed by ace director Sriram Raghavan.
The movie stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. The movie is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient.
The film also features Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in important roles and is slated to release in December.
Dharmendra, who is widely considered one of the greatest, most handsome, and most commercially successful film stars in the history of Indian cinema, had a cinematic career spanning over six decades; he has worked in more than 300 films.
Dharmendra holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
He first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke.
He starred in several successful Hindi films from the late-1960s to the 1980s, such as 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, he appeared in character roles in several successful and acclaimed 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.
With inputs: IANS
