Mumbai — Bollywood legend Dharmendra Krishan Deol has passed away at the age of 89, leaving the nation in mourning. The news was confirmed by Punch newspaper, which described the actor’s death as the end of an era in Indian cinema.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, paid tribute to the veteran actor on X, praising his remarkable contributions to the film industry.
Born in 1935, Dharmendra began his acting journey after winning a talent contest, making his film debut in 1960. He gained widespread recognition in 1963 with Bimal Roy’s Bandini and went on to become one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra appeared in over 300 films, showcasing his versatility across action, romance, and comedy genres. He is perhaps best remembered for his role as Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, a film that remains iconic in Indian cinema.
Fans across India have taken to social media to celebrate Dharmendra’s legacy, recalling his memorable performances and sharing clips from his classic films, including Sholay. Many described him as a cinematic legend whose impact on Bollywood will be remembered for generations.
Dharmendra’s passing comes amid other recent tragedies in the entertainment world, including the death of Nollywood actor Odira Nwobu in South Africa. Additionally, social media influencer Aunty Esther has been in the news as she battles cancer, highlighting a challenging time for fans of global entertainment.
