Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, fondly remembered as the He-Man of Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 89 after a prolonged illness.
The legendary actor breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been receiving treatment for age-related complications.
The actor's family, including wife and actress Hema Malini, and sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, were reportedly by his side during his final moments.
His passing marks the end of an era in Hindi cinema, leaving millions of fans across the world in mourning.
Born Dharmendra Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Punjab's Ludhiana district, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful and admired stars in Indian film history.
Known for his rugged looks, powerful screen presence, and heartfelt performances, Dharmendra appeared in over 300 films across a career that spanned more than six decades.
His memorable roles in blockbusters such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Dream Girl made him a household name.
Whether it was his action-hero image in the 1970s or his romantic persona in light-hearted comedies, Dharmendra captured the hearts of audiences with unmatched versatility.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry and political circles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared condolences on X (formerly Twitter), calling Dharmendra "a towering figure whose charm and humility made him one of India's most loved actors."
Fellow stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan expressed deep grief, remembering him as "a true gentleman" and "an inspiration for generations."
Dharmendra's on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini became iconic, and their real-life love story added another chapter to his stardom. The couple married in 1980 and went on to become one of Bollywood's most admired duos.
Dharmendra also served as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan, from 2004 to 2009, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).