Veteran Actor Dharmendra Passes Away At 89, Confirms Karan Johar With A Heartfelt Tribute

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on Monday (November 24) at the age of 89. He had been unwell due to age-related issues for the past few months and was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital. Later, he was discharged from the hospital and was receiving treatment at home. On Monday, his condition worsened, and an ambulance was seen leaving his residence. Security was also tightened outside his house.

Dharmendra dies at 89

Karan Johar, confirming the news of Dharmendra's death on his Instagram handle, paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary icon.

Earlier, there were rumours of his death. Later, his family issued a statement that read, "Mr Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Further comments and updates will be shared as available. Kindly don't indulge in spreading false rumours regarding his health. Request everyone to pray for his speedy recovery and respect the family's right to privacy."

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves across the Indian film industry, with many prominent celebrities expressing their condolences. Celebs, including Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, were spotted arriving at Vile Parle Crematorium for Dharmendra's last rites.

Dharmendra's film career

Dharmendra was one of the most celebrated cinema icons. A maverick with a career spanning over six decades, Dharmendra left an indelible mark by playing romantic leads and character roles in more than 300 films. He made his debut in the 1960s with the Arjun Hingorani's Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. His first hit was 1961's Shola Aur Shabnam, followed by other blockbusters like Anpadh (1962) and Bimal Roy's Bandini (1963). Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Phool Aur Patthar (1966),  Mamta, Devar, Anupama and Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966), were the major hits in the 60s.

Known as the He-Man of Bollywood, he appeared in other iconic films like Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, Pratiggya, The Burning Train, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Dream Girl, Seeta Aur Geeta, Satyakam, Jeevan Mrityu, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Sharafat, and many more. In the 90s, he transitioned to character roles with Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. Kaise Kahoon Ke... Pyaar Hai, Kis Kis Ki Kismat, Life in a... Metro, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, are some of his other notable works.

He was last seen in the Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon-starrer Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024).

His final on-screen appearance will be war drama titled Ikkis, which stars Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda in the titular role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Helmed by Sriram Raghavan, the movie is set to release on December 25.

His contributions to Indian cinema earned him the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

Dharmendra's political career

Apart from his acting career, Dharmendra also joined politics, serving as a Member of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the Bharatiya Janata Party. He represented Bikaner, Rajasthan, from 2004 to 2009.

He is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini and their six children-actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Ajeeta and Vijeta.