Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, celebrated for his effortless transition between romantic roles and high-octane action performances, has died at the age of 89.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes across India, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described Dharmendra as “an iconic film personality” and “a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.”
The actor had been unwell in recent weeks and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Mumbai.
Over a glittering career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra featured in more than 250 films, earned a reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile stars, and also served as a member of parliament. He was honoured with one of India’s highest civilian awards for his contributions to the arts.
In the 1980s, Dharmendra cemented his status as an action hero with a series of blockbuster hits, earning him the moniker “He-Man”. His portrayal of Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay remains one of the most beloved performances in Bollywood history.
A father of six, Dharmendra also ventured into film production, frequently featuring his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol in his projects.
His final screen appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis (Twenty-One), scheduled for release next month.
The Peninsula
