Dharmendra, Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and one of its most enduring stars, dies at 89 | Bollywood

Dharmendra, one of the most prominent stars of Indian Bollywood cinema, has died at the age of 89.

Born Dharam Singh Deol, but later known as Dharmendra, he rose to fame in the 1960s and became one of Hindi cinema’s most recognizable and popular stars in a career spanning six decades.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who paid tribute to Dharmendra after his death was announced at his home in Mumbai on Monday morning.

Modi said that his death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. “He was an iconic film character, an extraordinary actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The way he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people,” Modi said on Channel X.

Often called the “Man of Bollywood” in reference to his muscular physique, good looks and rugged charm, Dharmendra was known for his versatility in roles that spanned different genres, from comedies and action to emotional dramas and, later, focus on character roles.

He was particularly beloved for his role in the 1975 Western, Sholay, in which he and another popular actor, Amitabh Bachchan, played a pair of lovable petty criminals, in what remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen friendships.

Dharmendra came from a simple agricultural background. He was born in a village in rural Punjab and his father was a teacher. His cinematic debut came in 1960 when he won a film talent competition and went alone to Mumbai, the heart of Indian cinema.

With his often noticed good looks, he quickly established himself as Bollywood’s favorite romantic hero. He broke up with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, and was known to inspire enthusiasm among his many loyal fans.

Dharmendra starred in more than 300 films and also got involved in politics, becoming an MP for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party from 2004 to 2009. He continued acting throughout his tenure and was rarely seen in Parliament.

His off-screen life was also a source of endless fascination, and his family became something of a Bollywood dynasty. Dharmendra has four children with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, two of whom have become Bollywood stars. But his electric on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini led to him leaving Kaur and marrying Malini in 1980. They had two daughters, one of whom also became a Bollywood actress.

In 2012, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.

He continued to behave well into his late eighties, even when his health began to deteriorate. His latest film ‘Ikkis’ is scheduled to be released in cinemas next month.