Veteran bollywood actor Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring and beloved stars, passed away on Monday at the age of 89. The iconic star, celebrated for his strength, charm, and excellence across action, romance, and comedy genres, had been battling health issues, including breathing difficulties which reportedly necessitated the use of a ventilator prior to his demise.
The actor, who was earlier admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, had shown a temporary recovery and was discharged. However, his condition deteriorated, leading to his passing.
As the sad news spread across the film fraternity, members of the Bollywood community gathered to pay their last respects. Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan were among the stars who reached the crematorium in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai. Bollywood multi-hyphenate Karan Johar also paid tribute to the late actor through a social media post. The actor’s family, including his wife Hema Malini (who had recently assured the media of his recovery during a previous hospital visit), was present at the crematorium.
Dharmendra, who was born in Punjab in 1935, had recently relocated to his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, citing concerns over the worsening pollution levels in Mumbai.
From Talent Hunt to Cinematic Icon
Dharmendra’s remarkable career began in the early 1960s after a pivotal moment in the late 1950s:
- Talent Hunt Victory: In 1958, he entered and won a nationwide talent contest organized by Filmfare magazine in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, chosen for his striking looks and natural charm. This same talent hunt would later discover superstar Rajesh Khanna.
- Rise to Fame: He quickly became famous for his charming looks, emotional depth, and effortless screen presence, making him highly versatile across genres.
His legacy is cemented by iconic films that showcased his range: ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ established him as a leading man; his portrayal of the lovable, witty Veeru in ‘Sholay’ became legendary; ‘Chupke Chupke’ demonstrated his impeccable comic timing; and action-packed dramas like ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’ solidified his image as the quintessential Bollywood hero.
Beyond his cinematic career, Dharmendra’s humility and charisma made him a cherished figure both on and off screen. He was a proud recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award of India, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to the nation’s culture.
Key Highlights:
- Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away on Monday at the age of 89 after suffering from breathing difficulties; he was recently discharged from Breach Candy Hospital after a temporary recovery.
- Bollywood figures, including Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, paid their last respects at the Vile Parle crematorium, while Karan Johar posted a social media tribute.
- Dharmendra’s career was launched after he won a Filmfare talent contest in 1958 and he rose to fame through iconic, versatile roles in films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, and ‘Chupke Chupke’.
- The recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the actor had recently moved to his Khandala farmhouse with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, due to Mumbai’s pollution levels.
