Bollywood's 'He-Man' Dharmendra dies at 89

Veteran actor Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved icons, passed away in Mumbai on Monday (November 10). He was 89. The legendary star, affectionately known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” had been under observation at Breach Candy Hospital for several days. 

Born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol went on to embody every shade of the Hindi film hero: from the romantic and poetic to the rebellious and rugged. Over a career spanning more than six decades and 300 films, he not only redefined the image of the Bollywood leading man but also mastered the art of comedy and emotional drama with equal ease.

Few stars matched his magnetic screen presence, whether playing the idealistic Satyapriya in Satyakam, the professor in Chupke Chupke, or the brawny yet tender-hearted Veeru in Sholay.

Making his debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), Dharmendra’s rise to superstardom came with Phool Aur Patthar (1966). His on-screen vulnerability in the film’s famous “shirtless” scene turned him into the nation’s heartthrob overnight, and the “He-Man” moniker followed him for life. The gesture of covering a fainted woman with his shirt, which he personally suggested to the director, would become one of the most iconic images in Hindi cinema.

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Through the 1960s and 1970s, Dharmendra ruled the box office with a string of classics including Anupama, Bandini, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Raja Jani, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Pratiggya, Charas, Chupke Chupke and Sholay. His chemistry with Hema Malini became the stuff of Bollywood legend, and their partnership eventually turned into a real-life love story.

Married first to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children — including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol — Dharmendra later married Hema Malini in 1980. Together, they had two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

In the 1980s, Dharmendra successfully transitioned into action-packed roles with Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, and Elaan-E-Jung. At the same time, he became a producer, founding Vijayta Films, the banner that launched Sunny Deol in Betaab (1983) and Bobby Deol in Barsaat (1995). The company also produced Ghayal (1990), which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.

Even as he grew older, Dharmendra’s charisma never waned. He charmed audiences again in Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Life in a… Metro (2007), Apne (2007), and Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011). In his later years, he delighted a new generation with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). His final film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is slated for release later this year.

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