Bollywood legend Dharmendra dies at 89

24 Nov 2025, 19:20 by Taiwo Oshunloye · TheCable Lifestyle

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, the legendary Bollywood actor famously known as Dharmendra, has passed away at the age of 89.

Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, paid tribute to the late movie star in an X post on Monday describing him as an “iconic film personality” and “a phenomenal actor”.

Modi said the death of Dharmendra marks the “end of an era in Indian cinema”. He added that his thoughts remain with the family of the late actor.

“The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people,” he wrote.

“Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.”

The cause of his death has not been revealed.

Born on December 8, 1935 in Nasrali village in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, Dharmendra gained recognition with Bimal Roy’s 1963 film ‘Bandini’ following his refined performance as a prison doctor who fell for an inmate.

He quickly emerged as a romantic lead actor and although his debut action role came in 1966 with ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ (Flower and Rock), it was the 1971 blockbuster ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’ (My Village, My Country) that firmly established him as an action star.

He received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 for his contribution to Hindi cinema and was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012.

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