Sholay’s ‘Vero’ Dharmendra is no more

According to Indian media, famous and legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra died on Monday at the age of 89.

Indian media reports said that the actor died due to a heart problem. Dharmendra was undergoing treatment at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for the past few days where he was kept on life support.

In recent days, rumors about his deteriorating health and death were doing the rounds.

Dharmendra, affectionately known as ‘Paaji’ in the Indian film industry, achieved great heights in his career spanning over six decades.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Dharmendra expressing his sorrow over his death.

In a statement released on X, Narendra Modi wrote: ‘Dharmendraji’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an exceptional actor, bringing charm and depth to every role. The manner in which he played various roles touched the hearts of countless people. Dharmendraji’s simplicity, humility and sincerity were equally admirable. My condolences go out to his family, friends and countless fans at this sad time.’

The versatility shown by the star who rose to fame in the 1960s is still exemplary today.

His films include ‘Sholay’, ‘Chipke Chipke’, ‘Anupamma’, ‘Satyakam’ and other classic projects that established him as an incomparable performer of action hero and light-hearted roles at the same time.

His charismatic personality, charming screen chemistry and simplicity made him the beloved actor of many generations. His family’s influence is also prominent in Indian cinema, where his children and grandchildren continue to carry on his artistic legacy.

According to Indian media, Dharmendra’s last rites will be performed at the Pawan Hans Cremation Ghat, where fans, fellow artists and eminent personalities from the film world continue to arrive.

Messages of grief and tributes are also pouring in on social media where celebrities, film stars, politicians and consumers are remembering him as an artist who not only changed the history of cinema but left a lasting impact on the Indian film tradition.

Dharmendra’s services, his roles and his enduring star power are being hailed as an important chapter in the history of Bollywood.

According to Filmfare, the actor’s birth name was Dharam Singh Deol. His family belonged to an agricultural background in Punjab where his father was the headmaster of a village school. After completing his education, he entered the world of films and made his screen debut as an actor in 1960.

Dharmendra quickly rose to prominence in the 1960s, where films like ‘Phool Aur Pathar’ gave him recognition as a good actor.

Dharmendra’s career peaked in the 1970s. In that decade, the film ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Desh’ popularized him as an action hero, while his role in 1975’s ‘Shalay’ brought him immense fame. This film is considered a milestone in the history of Bollywood.