Mumbai: The nation awoke to heartbreaking news this morning as the curtain fell on a golden era of Indian cinema. Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra, the beloved “He-Man” of millions, passed away at the age of 89. While several major media outlets, including IANS and NDTV, confirmed his demise, an official statement from the family is still awaited.
The legendary actor was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai, this afternoon. The final rites were conducted amidst an atmosphere of profound grief and solemnity.
Dharmendra’s final journey began from his residence, as his body was carried to the crematorium in an ambulance escorted by close family members. The procession arrived at the venue around 1:30 PM on Monday, with the industry and fans alike joining in spirit to bid a tearful farewell.
The crematorium grounds were a somber sight. While the ceremony itself was kept private, the outpouring of grief was public and palpable. Fans gathered outside the premises, their eyes filled with tears, holding up posters of their favourite star and chanting his famous dialogue, “Kutte, main tera khoon pee jaaoonga” from the classic Sholay, as a final, emotional tribute.
The film fraternity turned out in strength to pay their last respects to a man who was not just a colleague but a dear friend and an inspiration to generations.
Among those seen at the crematorium were his wife, veteran actress and MP Hema Malini, and their daughter Esha Deol, who was seen being comforted by family members. The industry’s stalwarts also arrived, their faces etched with sorrow, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Govinda. Their presence underscored the immense respect and affection Dharmendra commanded across generations in Bollywood.
After the final rituals were completed, the family and celebrities were seen quietly exiting the crematorium, the weight of the moment silencing the usual media frenzy.
The news comes as a particular shock as the actor had shown signs of recovery. Dharmendra had been under serious medical observation since October 31 and was reportedly on life support at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.
However, in a positive turn, he was discharged on November 12. At the time, his doctor, Dr. Rajiv Sharma, had told IANS, “Dharmendra ji has been discharged from the hospital with full satisfaction. His family has taken him home. Everything has been arranged for him. He is in a stable condition.” Dr. Sharma had also appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumors and to “pray for his recovery.”
Dharmendra, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8, remained active in his passion for acting until the very end. His last on-screen appearance was in the 2024 sci-fi romance Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.
He was also slated to appear next in Ikkis, a highly anticipated war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film, featuring Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honor. His role in this project now remains an unfulfilled promise, a poignant reminder of a career that spanned over six decades.
Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra’s journey to stardom is the stuff of Bollywood legend. He won the Filmfare magazine’s new talent contest and landed in Mumbai with dreams in his eyes and a contract in his hand. He quickly rose to fame, earning the title “Garam Dharam” for his action-hero roles in films like Muthu, Pratiggya, and, most famously, Sholay.
Yet, his filmography is a testament to his incredible versatility. The same actor who embodied raw aggression on screen could also portray profound vulnerability and romance in classics like Bandini, Satyakam, and Chupke Chupke.
As the sun sets today, Indian cinema has lost one of its most enduring and cherished pillars. Dharmendra was not just a star; he was an emotion, a beloved father-figure, and the original “He-Man” whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
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