Dharmendra, Iconic Bollywood Star of ‘Sholay’ and ‘Phool Aur Patthar,’ Dies at 89

Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and enduring stars whose career spanned more than six decades, died on Monday. He was 89. In recent weeks he was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai due to respiratory issues and later discharged.

Known to generations as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, Dharmendra combined matinee-idol looks with a naturalistic charm that made him a household name from the 1960s onward. He appeared in more than 250 films, including some of India’s biggest hits such as “Sholay,” “Phool Aur Patthar,” “Satyakam,” “Chupke Chupke,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Yaadon Ki Baaraat,” “Loafer,” “Blackmail” and “Jugnu.”

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Born in Nasrali, Punjab, on Dec. 8, 1935 – sources variously list his birth name as Dharam Singh Deol or Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol – he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) after winning a talent contest organized by Filmfare magazine. He made his screen debut in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere,” and achieved stardom six years later with O.P. Ralhan’s “Phool Aur Patthar,” where his bare-chested scene earned him the “He-Man” moniker.

Over the next decade, Dharmendra dominated the box office through a diverse slate of films that showcased his versatility — from the tragic idealist of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s “Satyakam” to the comic lightness of “Chupke Chupke” and the rugged heroism of “Sholay,” where he played Veeru opposite Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai in one of Indian cinema’s most iconic buddy pairings.

Between 1978 and 1997, he sustained his stardom through action-oriented and ensemble films such as “The Burning Train,” “Azaad,” “Rajput,” “Batwara” and “Hathyar,” while transitioning gradually into patriarchal and character roles. He also founded his own production banner, Vijayta Films, which produced the 1983 blockbuster “Betaab,” launching his son Sunny Deol.

Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur, before he entered the film industry, and the couple had four children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. In the 1970s, he formed one of Bollywood’s most enduring on- and off-screen partnerships with actress Hema Malini, his co-star in more than 40 films and later his wife. Their relationship drew intense public scrutiny, but the pair remained together for decades and had two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

Beyond acting, Dharmendra entered politics as a member of India’s Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing Bikaner for the Bharatiya Janata Party. He later returned to film with roles in “Apne,” “Yamla Pagla Deewana,” and its sequels, sharing the screen with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, both successful actors in their own right.

He was honored with India’s Padma Bhushan, one of the nation’s highest civilian awards, and received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

In later years, Dharmendra remained active on social media and made public appearances celebrating Indian cinema’s golden age. His warmth and humility earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s most generous colleagues.

He is survived by Prakash Kaur; Hema Malini; sons Sunny, Bobby, and Karan Deol; and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, among others.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted: “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. 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.”

One of Dharmendra’s last films is war epic “Ikkis,” releasing over Christmas, directed by Sriram Raghavan, who also helmed the actor’s “Johnny Gaddaar” (2007.”

“Naturally, I feel terrible,” Raghavan told Variety. “This [“Ikkis”] is a very important role he’s done, and I’m very happy he did the film with me. We began shooting in 2023, Diwali time, and I dubbed with him in October. He’s got one of the main characters in the film. I used to feel very bad when people used to take him and give him very small roles, almost insignificant roles. So five years back, I told him, I’m doing this film, that you have to be there. And he heard the story. He was completely wowed by it and then he came, and he shot all over the country.”

“His age was there… he gets tired easily and all that. But the wonderful thing is, when the camera goes on, he changes. That is something I’ve noticed, like almost every shot, you think, okay, he’s tired. We should pack up now. Then two more shots, then he’ll come and he’ll start,” Raghavan added. “I have loved him as an actor. There are all kinds of roles, from ‘Bandini’ and ‘Anupama’ and there was there “Johnny Gaddaar” also. I had a great time working with him. I spent a lot of time with him. That’s my good luck.”