India: Bollywood star Dharmendra dies aged 89

Over a career spanning six decades, Dharmendra acted in more than 300 films, becoming one of the most iconic and recognizable faces in Bollywood.

The popular Indian Bollywood star Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai on Monday after spending several weeks in and out of hospital.

Dharmendra, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8, was one of India's most recognizable film stars and a defining Bollywood screen presence in the 1970s and 1980s.

Dharmendra: The Bollywood 'He-Man'

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in the northern state of Punjab in 1935, he grew up in a farming family and moved to Mumbai in the late 1950s, making his Bollywood debut in 1960.

Over a career spanning six decades, he acted in more than 300 films, including the spaghetti western-style "Sholay" (1975), the romantic comedy "Chupke Chupke" (1975) and the action drama "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971).

He was affectionately known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood due to his many leading roles in action movies.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini

Dharmendra developed a particular on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini, with the pair acting together in more than two dozen films and eventually getting married in 1980.

However, the marriage was rooted in scandal since Dharmendra reportedly remained married to his first wife Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children. Dharmendra reportedly briefly converted to Islam in order to marry Malini without divorcing Kaur, since Indian law prevents Hindus from marrying twice, especially if their original spouse is still alive.

In 2012, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.

Modi moved by Dharmendra death 

He also had a brief stint in politics, serving as a member of parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2004 to 2009.

"[Dharmendra] was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people."

Dharmendra is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.

His final film, the war epic "Ikkis," is due out in cinemas in December.

Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez