Legendary Bollywood Actor Dharmendra of ‘Sholay’ and ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ Passes Away at 89
Dharmendra, the iconic Bollywood star celebrated for his roles in classics like “Sholay” and “Phool Aur Patthar,” passed away recently at the age of 89. His death marks a significant moment in Indian cinema, where he left an indelible legacy over six decades.
Career Highlights and Early Life
Born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, his birth name ranged from Dharam Singh Deol to Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol. His journey to fame began when he won a talent contest held by Filmfare magazine. Soon after, he relocated to Mumbai and made his acting debut in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.”
His breakthrough came in 1966 with “Phool Aur Patthar,” where a memorable bare-chested scene led to the nickname “He-Man.” Over the years, Dharmendra starred in over 250 films, becoming a household name in India. His notable films include:
- “Satyakam”
- “Chupke Chupke”
- “Seeta Aur Geeta”
- “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”
- “Loafer”
- “Blackmail”
- “Jugnu”
Later Career and Personal Life
Between 1978 and 1997, Dharmendra continued his dominance in the industry with action films like “The Burning Train” and ensemble casts in various successful projects. He also ventured into production with Vijayta Films, launching his son Sunny Deol in “Betaab.”
Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. Additionally, he garnered significant public attention for his relationship with actress Hema Malini, who became his second wife. The couple starred in over 40 films together and had two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
Political Engagement and Awards
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Dharmendra served as a member of India’s Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing the Bikaner constituency for the Bharatiya Janata Party. His contributions to cinema earned him the Padma Bhushan and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
Legacy and Tributes
In recent years, he actively engaged with fans through social media, celebrating the rich history of Indian cinema. Dharmendra’s charm and humility earned him respect as a generous colleague in the industry.
He is survived by his family, including Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, and his sons Sunny, Bobby, and Karan Deol, along with daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on the loss, stating that Dharmendra brought “charm and depth” to every role, highlighting the emotional impact of his passing on fans and the film community alike.
