Dharmendra, the Iconic Star of Bollywood's Golden Age
Indian cinema has lost one of its most beloved stars with the passing of Dharmendra at the age of 89. Born Dharam Singh Deol, this ruggedly handsome actor and charming on-screen presence captured the hearts of millions in his six-decade-long career.
Known as Bollywood's "He-Man" for his chiseled physique and captivating charm, Dharmendra was a true entertainer who transcended genres to deliver memorable performances. He effortlessly navigated from comedy and action-packed blockbusters like Sholay (1975) to emotional dramas and character-driven roles later in his career.
The quintessential Bollywood hero's rise to fame began in the early 1960s, when he won a film talent contest and made his way to Mumbai. With his stunning looks, charisma, and undeniable charm, Dharmendra quickly became the go-to romantic hero of Indian cinema. His debut film, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), set the tone for his illustrious career, which saw him starring in over 300 films.
Dharmendra's personal life was as fascinating as his on-screen persona. He married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children, including two Bollywood stars. However, it was his marriage to actress Hema Malini in 1980 that truly cemented his place in the public imagination. Their undeniable chemistry on screen and off led to a legendary on-screen partnership that continues to inspire generations of film enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Dharmendra received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour. Even as his health began to decline in recent years, he continued to act well into his late 80s, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans of Indian cinema for generations to come.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Dharmendra as an "iconic film personality" who brought charm and depth to every role he played. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, but the memories of his electrifying performances on screen and off will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Indian cinema has lost one of its most beloved stars with the passing of Dharmendra at the age of 89. Born Dharam Singh Deol, this ruggedly handsome actor and charming on-screen presence captured the hearts of millions in his six-decade-long career.
Known as Bollywood's "He-Man" for his chiseled physique and captivating charm, Dharmendra was a true entertainer who transcended genres to deliver memorable performances. He effortlessly navigated from comedy and action-packed blockbusters like Sholay (1975) to emotional dramas and character-driven roles later in his career.
The quintessential Bollywood hero's rise to fame began in the early 1960s, when he won a film talent contest and made his way to Mumbai. With his stunning looks, charisma, and undeniable charm, Dharmendra quickly became the go-to romantic hero of Indian cinema. His debut film, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), set the tone for his illustrious career, which saw him starring in over 300 films.
Dharmendra's personal life was as fascinating as his on-screen persona. He married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children, including two Bollywood stars. However, it was his marriage to actress Hema Malini in 1980 that truly cemented his place in the public imagination. Their undeniable chemistry on screen and off led to a legendary on-screen partnership that continues to inspire generations of film enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Dharmendra received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour. Even as his health began to decline in recent years, he continued to act well into his late 80s, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans of Indian cinema for generations to come.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Dharmendra as an "iconic film personality" who brought charm and depth to every role he played. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, but the memories of his electrifying performances on screen and off will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
89 is old for a movie star 
, but Dharmendra's legacy lives on 
. He was more than just a pretty face 
, his talent shone through in every film 
. I loved watching him with Hema Malini 
, their chemistry was undeniable 
. Sholay is still one of my favorite movies 
, he's an icon for a reason 
. The PM's words mean everything to his fans 
. We'll miss you, Dharmendra 
!
just lost one of India's most iconic stars Dharmendra and I'm low-key nostalgic for Sholay already 
I mean who wouldn't want to be the "He-Man" of Bollywood 
Anyway, 300+ films? that's like, a whole lot of rom-coms in my books 
...he still has so many iconic movies like Sholay and Jeene Ya Na Jaane Do yaar 
. I grew up watching his films with my parents and he was always that one actor who could make you laugh or cry without even trying. Sholay is still one of the greatest Indian films ever made, in my opinion 
. His chemistry with Hema Malini was something else... I remember watching their films over and over again as a kid 
89 is still pretty old btw... i remember watching some of his films with my grandma back in the day (I'm 38 now lol) he was like a total heartthrob in his prime and still holding up well even in his 80s, that's impressive. his on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini was always iconic, they were like Bollywood royalty together 
and who can forget the iconic 'Bhai' (brother) persona he played? still gets me pumped up to this day 
, anyway, we'll always miss this Bollywood legend 
his legacy lives on thru all those iconic films like sholay, yadon ki barat etc 
just heard about dharmendra's passing, feels like the end of an era for indian cinema... what a legend he was! had so many fav faves of him from sholay, dilwale dunia and more... can't believe this rugged handsome guy left us too soon 
still got so much love for hemamalini & his on screen chemistry with her tho 
just can't believe it! 89 years young and still going strong... what a legend 
. I remember watching his films as a kid with my parents and loving every minute of them 
. And can we talk about his marriage to Hema Malini? 
The PM's tribute to him is so fitting, he truly was a national treasure 
gotta say, Dharmendra was more than just a Bollywood star, he was like a cultural icon! 
. People might say he was a bit of a ladies' man, but hey, that's part of his charm, right? 
The man could still pull off those iconic 70s physique poses like nobody's business 
. Plus, I think his legacy is going to live on through all the movies he made, but some of them were pretty cheesy too 
. And don't even get me started on Hema Malini - was that a good marriage or what? 
!