Bollywood’s living legend, ‘He-Man’ fame actor Dharmendra is no more. He breathed his last in Mumbai on 24 November, Monday morning at the age of 89. After a long illness for a month, his last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium.
He was bid farewell in a quiet, private atmosphere in the presence of close friends and family members. He would have turned 90 on December 8.
Nation Mourns
As soon as the news of his death spread, the outside of the crematorium premises was flooded with people. The tears of fans and posters held in their hands proved how much space he had occupied in the hearts of people for more than six decades.
From Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman, Aamir, Ranveer Singh to Preity Zinta, Kajol – almost all generations of stars reached out to pay their respects to him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in his condolence message, “End of an era.”
A Village Boy’s Dream Journey
Dharmendra was born in 1935 to a teacher couple in Sahnewal village of Ludhiana, Punjab. Growing up in a farming family, this quiet and taciturn teenager had always cherished the dream of appearing on the silver screen.
Winning a national talent competition organized by a film magazine turned his life around. He made his debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’—although his first exposure came after acting in films like ‘Shola Aur Shabnam,’ ‘Anapadh,’ and ‘Bandini.’
From He-Man to Romantic Hero
‘Phool Aur Pathar’ brought him the fame of an action hero, and in the 70s, ‘Pratigga,’ ‘Jaadon Ki Baaraat,’ ‘Chupke Chupke,’ and ‘Sholay’—all of which built a unique career. His dialogues, humor and easy-going charm as Veeru in ‘Sholay’ gave him immense popularity.
Even the rise of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh could not diminish Dharmendra’s stardom. He was equally skilled in all roles—romance, action and comedy—in more than three hundred films.
Tension Between Two Families
The most talked-about love story of Bollywood was born in the 70s with Hema Malini. At that time, he was living with his first wife Prakash Kaur and was the father of four children. However, his relationship with Hema deepened, and eventually they got married.
Later, the couple’s house was lit up by Esha and Ahana. Although there were various speculations about the two families, they always tried to give a message of unity.
Last Films And Legacy
In his later life, he was seen in films like ‘Apne,’ ‘Johnny Gaddar,’ ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana,’ and ‘Rocky Aur Rani…’. His last film, ‘Ikkis,’ is scheduled to release in December. From launching his son Sunny with ‘Betaab’ in 1983 to the National Award-winning ‘Ghayel’ with Vijayata Films, he has left an important mark.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Today, a star has fallen from the sky of cinema, leaving behind his two families, six children and countless fans.
The Path To Stardom
Coming from a rural environment to conquer the film world of the metropolis was the biggest victory of his life. Even after a failed debut, he never gave up. He proved himself by going door to door with directors and producers, doing small roles. His success proves that the power of acting can change reality.
Generational Popularity
From the 60s to 2025—a long 65 years—generation after generation has loved him. The ease of his comedy, the strength of action and the passion of romance—all have fascinated the audience. His pairing with Amitabh in ‘Sholay’ made Bollywood history. Even young artists used to say that Dharmendra was “a bigger person than a star”.
Industry’s Tearful Tribute
After Dharmendra’s death, generations of Bollywood artists have been swept away in memories. Preity Zinta wrote that he was “All Heart” – a person full of compassion, generosity and love, with whom every time you met, you felt like you had found a family member.
Salman Khan’s fans have recalled how Dharmendra used to hold him like his own son, as he lovingly guided newcomers without any arrogance.
Kamal Haasan, Juhi Chawla, Zeenat Aman have all said that behind the starry sky, Dharmendra was a calm, humble colleague who knew how to understand people’s pain. In their words, his presence on the sets of films was a kind of safety and light, which reminded artists that modesty is the true identity of a legend.
Watch the video here:
@instantbollywood Daughter Isha Deol, Wife Hema Malini, Actor Aamir Khan, Sholay Costar Amitabh Bachchan arrive for Last rites of Legendary actor Dharmendra Deol Ji
More from Wake Up Singapore:
88-Year-Old Grandmother Dances with Sticks and Swords—Akshay Kumar Hugs Her
A Stand Against Corruption: Was Nepal’s Uprising Really About a Social Media Ban?
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
