Dharmendra, Bollywood's He Man and original action star, dies at 89; cremated in presence of family

Dharmendra, who began as a romantic hero and became Bollywood's original action star, has died at the age of 89.

Actor Dharmendra, one of the most successful and popular leading actors in Indian cinema history, has died at the age of 89. The actor, who was recovering at home after surviving a massive health scare earlier this month, died on Monday morning at his home in Juhu. He was later cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium in the presence of his family.

Dharmendra was one of the highest paid stars in Bollywood in the 70s.

The veteran actor is survived by his two wives - Prakash Kaur and actor Hema Malini, along with 6 children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.

Dharmendra's film career

Born in a village in Ludhiana in 1935, Dharmendra began his film career in 1960 with the romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. In the 60s, he established himself as a romantic hero, often playing second lead or working with more popular female stars in films like Bandini, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, and Khamoshi. He gained recognition with Chetan Anand's 1965 war film Haqeeqat. But it was Phool Aur Patthar the following year that made him a saleable star.

Over the next decade, he worked in some of the biggest hits in Bollywood, including Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Chupke Chupke, Sholay, and Yaadon Ki Baraat. In the 80s, he transitioned to action films, often leading ensembles or low-budget crime thrillers. He found success in this genre too, and came to be known as the ‘He Man of India’.

Dharmendra was one of the rare actors to transition successfully as a character artiste, working in supporting roles in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Johnny Gaddaar, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. He worked with sons - Sunny and Bobby - in the Yamla Pagla Deewana films, and Apne. His final film - Ikkis - will release next month.

Dharmendra's personal life

Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur when he was 19. He has four children with her, including Sunny and Bobby, who followed his footsteps into Bollywood. In 1980, he married his frequent co-star Hema Malini. The two are parents to Esha and Ahana Deol.

A recipient of Padma Bhushan, Dharmendra was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bikaner in 2004 on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket, and served as a Member of Parliament for one term.