Bollywood icon Dharmendra passes away at 89, leaving behind a legacy of over 300 films

Dharmendra, the man who defined charm, strength, and old-school heroism for generations, passed away at the age of 89 at his Mumbai residence. His death marks the end of an era that shaped Hindi cinema for more than six decades.

Tributes began pouring in within minutes. From veteran stars to rising actors, from political leaders to millions of fans worldwide, everyone spoke of a legend who touched hearts far beyond the silver screen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him “an irreplaceable force in Indian cinema,” while Amitabh Bachchan shared an emotional note remembering their unforgettable bond that began with Sholay.

Dharmendra’s journey was nothing short of a cinematic saga. Born Dharam Singh Deol, he entered films in the early 1960s and soon became the symbol of masculinity and charisma. The industry lovingly named him the “He-Man of Bollywood,” but his range went far beyond action. He was equally adored for his comic timing in films like Chupke Chupke and his tender romantic presence in Satyakam, Anupama, and Dream Girl.

With more than 300 films to his name, Dharmendra built a legacy that stands tall across eras. Younger audiences know him as the warm, graceful father figure from the Yamla Pagla Deewana series, while older audiences still recall the iconic scene from Sholay where he shouts “Basanti, in kutton ke saamne mat nachna.”

The actor stayed active until his final years. His last film, Ikkis, is expected to release posthumously, gifting fans one final performance from the star they’ve loved for decades.

What made Dharmendra special was not just his onscreen force but his offscreen humility. He was known for treating everyone with warmth from co-stars to spot boys and carried no starry airs despite his towering stardom. His colleagues often called him “the most genuine man in the industry,” a phrase now repeated across social media as fans share old interviews, scenes and rare photos that capture his golden charm.

Dharmendra leaves behind a deeply influential legacy, a family of celebrated actors including Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and a fanbase that spans age groups and continents. Today, Bollywood stands still in his memory, mourning a hero, celebrating an icon, and cherishing the countless moments he gave to Indian cinema.

His voice, his smile, and his legendary screen presence will continue to echo through generations.