MUMBAI, Nov 24: Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, one of the most celebrated stars in Indian cinema history, has died at the age of 89, his family confirmed on Monday.

The legendary actor, recovering at his home in Juhu following a major health scare earlier this month, passed away peacefully in the morning. He was cremated later at the Pawan Hans crematorium with family in attendance, including his wives, Prakash Kaur and actress Hema Malini, and his six children, among them actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.

Born in 1935 in a village in Ludhiana, Dharmendra began his film career in 1960 with the romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. During the 1960s, he emerged as a romantic hero in films such as Bandini, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, and Khamoshi, often playing second leads alongside popular female stars. He gained recognition with Chetan Anand’s 1965 war film Haqeeqat, but it was Phool Aur Patthar (1966) that cemented his status as a leading star.

Over the next decade, Dharmendra starred in some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, including Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Chupke Chupke, Sholay, and Yaadon Ki Baraat. In the 1980s, he transitioned successfully to action films, earning the title “He-Man of India.” He later shifted to character roles in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Johnny Gaddaar, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, while also appearing alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol in Yamla Pagla Deewana and Apne. His final film, Ikkis, is scheduled for release next month.

Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur at the age of 19, fathering four children including Sunny and Bobby. In 1980, he married Hema Malini, with whom he had two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Dharmendra also served as a Member of Parliament, elected to India’s Lok Sabha from Bikaner in 2004 on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket.

Industry figures and fans paid heartfelt tributes following his death. Filmmaker Karan Johar described Dharmendra as “the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema…his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe…there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI.”

Known for his charisma, versatility, and timeless appeal, Dharmendra was Bollywood’s original romantic hero, able to portray both rugged action roles and tender, poetic characters with equal authenticity. His performances in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani showcased his ability to connect deeply with audiences across generations.

Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of over six decades that continues to inspire actors and fans alike.