Dharmendra’s passing spurs nationwide grief in India
London 11.30am GMT – Indian star actor dies days before his 90th birthday – end of an era for some…
ONE OF INDIA’S best-known and most beloved actors – known by all simply as Dharmendra has passed away. He was 89.
He appeared in more than 300 films and made his debut with ‘Dil Bhi Tera’ in 1960 and came to prominence with ‘Bandini’ three years later.
His last film ‘Ikkis’ is slated to come out this Christmas, and contains a host of upcoming young stars alongside him.
Among his greatest hit movies is ‘Sholay’ (1975) which had a 4K Director’s Cut 50th anniversary screening at the recent London Film Festival (October 8-19).
Other films include, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Satyakam’, ‘Anupama’, and ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’.
He was affectionately known a ‘Veeru’ (after his iconic character in ‘Sholay‘) and was often called lovingly, the He-Man of Indian cinema – admired widely for his striking looks, charm, masculinity and humour.
He is understood to have passed earlier today and and his funeral is understood to have taken place earlier this afternoon at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Ville Parle, a Mumbai suburb.
Tributes have been paid from far and wide, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posting on X just a little while ago.
Star director Karan Johar posted to Instagram, calling it the end of an era – and several leading lights of the Bollywood were reported to have been seen at the crematorium. Among these was Amitabh Bachchan his co-star in ‘Sholay’ and his son, Abhishek, and contemporary icons Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt.
The star also had a flirtation with politics and represented the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) between 2004-2009 but left parliament after criticism for not attending very much and continuing to appear in films.
Dharmendra had been in and out of hospital recently over the last month complaining of breathlessness and is believed to have passed away at his home.
Dharmendra Singh Deol was born on December 8 in 1935 in Ludhiana, Punjab and went to Bombay (as it was then) in search of his dream of becoming a hero actor.
The news has sent the country into grief, mourning and reflection.
He is survived by his wife and fellow actor Hema Malini, first wife Prakash Kaur and sons and actors Sunny and Bobby Deol and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
We will have more…
Karan Johar tribute – https://www.instagram.com/p/DRbpzqYCMV3/?hl=en
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1992884677124690030
