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Veteran actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, is no more. He passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai on Tuesday morning. The veteran actor was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital after he complained of breathlessness. He had been critical and on life support. The news of Dharmendra’s death has left the film industry mourning. The news of his passing comes just weeks before his 90th birthday, which he was set to celebrate on December 8. His demise is a huge loss to Indian cinema. Veteran Actor Dharmendra Passes Away Tributes are pouring in from fans, fellow actors and the film fraternity, who remember him not just as a legendary actor, but also as an inspiration to many. He is survived by his wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur, and his children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, and Ameesha Patel, were seen visiting Breach Candy Hospital late at night after news of his critical health emerged online. With a career spanning over six decades, Dharmendra was one of the most beloved actors in Indian cinema. He made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, and starred in over 300 films over the years, holding the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema. Dharmendra was born on December 8, 1935 in Nasrali, a village in Ludhiana district, Punjab. While he made his debut in 1960, his breakthrough came with the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar, in which he starred opposite Meena Kumari. The movie was a huge success, and it catapulted Dharmendra to stardom. Throughout the years, Dharmendra’s filmography grew to include iconic blockbusters such as Sholay, Raja Jani, Seeta Aur Geeta, Kahani Kismat Ki, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Charas, Azaad, and Dillagi, showcasing his range and versatility as an actor. Earlier this year, Dharmendra underwent an eye graft surgery. A video of him walking out of the hospital with a bandaged eye had gone viral. He then told the paps, “I am strong. Abhi bhi Dharmendra mein bahut dum hai. Abhi bhi jaan rakhta hoon. Meri aankh, eye graft (corneal transplantation) ho gayi hai. I am strong. Love you, my audience and my fans.” Dharmendra was last seen in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, is set to release this December. The biographical war drama also stars Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaideep Ahlawat in lead roles, and is directed by Sriram Raghavan. It is slated to release in December this year.
