The Hindi film industry is mourning the loss of Dharmendra, one of its most iconic and cherished stars, who died in Mumbai at 89. His passing has sparked an overwhelming wave of grief and remembrance throughout India and the global film community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, noting that the actor’s death signals the conclusion of a significant chapter in Indian cinema history.
Known for his down-to-earth nature despite his superstar status, Dharmendra built an extraordinary connection with audiences that spanned generations. His filmography includes over 300 movies, with his portrayal of Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay remaining one of the most memorable characters in Bollywood history.
The actor’s appeal extended beyond his performances. His musical numbers became chart-toppers, his relationship with co-star Hema Malini captivated the public imagination, and his commanding screen presence earned him the title of Bollywood’s original action hero.
Fellow stars frequently praised his striking appearance. Madhuri Dixit once remarked on his exceptional good looks, while Salman Khan called him the most handsome man in the industry. Jaya Bachchan compared his appearance to classical Greek sculpture.
The actor remained modest about such praise, crediting his appearance to heredity and natural factors rather than any personal achievement.
Tributes Pour In
Priyanka Chopra shared a heartfelt message on Instagram Monday morning, reflecting on her personal connection to the late star.
She recalled that her initial payment in the film industry came from his production company, Vijayta Films, in 2001. One of her earliest Hindi films was produced under his banner, starring his eldest son, and the family welcomed her warmly during her early career.
The global star emphasized how remarkable such kindness was for someone new to Mumbai from Bareilly, arriving in the industry without connections or recognition.
Chopra described the loss as deeply personal, a sentiment she believes resonates with countless others worldwide. She noted that while some artists leave behind their work, others create lasting emotional connections—and Dharmendra achieved both. His magnetic quality and distinctive charisma brought special energy to every scene. Though his death represents a significant loss for cinema, his artistic contributions will endure.
She mentioned her longstanding relationship with the Deol family and collaboration on various projects with his sons throughout her career.
Humble Beginnings
Born in Punjab, Dharmendra came from a middle-class family where his father taught at a local school. His background in the Jatt-Sikh community shaped his grounded perspective despite later fame.
During a 2018 conversation with BBC Hindi, he shared how his family initially resisted his cinematic ambitions.
He discovered films as a teenager and immediately felt drawn to that world. The experience of watching his first movie created an intense fascination, making him wonder about the seemingly magical place where such captivating people existed. He felt an immediate sense of belonging and determination to become part of that universe.
When he revealed his aspirations to his parents, they expressed concern. His mother reminded him of his position as the eldest child and the accompanying family obligations. The response disappointed him, and he doubted whether he would even be selected for film work.
His breakthrough came through winning the All India Talent Contest organized by Filmfare, which facilitated his relocation to Bombay (now Mumbai) and launched his remarkable journey in cinema.
A Storied Career
His film debut came in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere, marking the start of a career that would span more than thirty years of continuous box-office dominance, with several hits releasing annually.
He initially established himself as a romantic hero, appearing opposite celebrated actresses including Nutan, Meena Kumari, Mala Sinha, and Saira Banu, before evolving into action-oriented roles.
His entry into action cinema began with Phool Aur Patthar in 1966, setting the stage for the 1971 success Mera Gaon Mera Desh.
His most celebrated professional collaboration developed with Hema Malini, who would eventually become his second spouse.
Their first meeting occurred in 1965, creating an instant impression. Malini’s 2017 biography recounts her memory of overhearing him comment in Punjabi about her attractiveness.
Their compelling on-screen dynamic in successful films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, and Sholay evolved into a real romantic relationship, despite his existing marriage to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had adult children.
Following intense public attention and reported family opposition, they wed in 1980. Speculation about religious conversion to permit polygamy was subsequently refuted by the actor.
Political Interlude
Outside the film world, Dharmendra explored politics, representing Bikaner as a BJP Member of Parliament between 2005 and 2009. He later acknowledged the challenges of political life.
He reflected that politics demands resilience rather than emotional sensitivity, describing his parliamentary term as particularly challenging and difficult.
Final Years
Throughout his later years, he remained professionally active, working alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, participating as a judge on reality television programs, and maintaining an active social media presence with his fans.
His legacy stands as a testament to talent, charisma, and the enduring power of authentic connection with audiences across generations.
