Bollywood legend Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved actors, has passed away at the age of 89 on Monday, November 24. The news came hours after the first look poster of his upcoming film Ikkis went viral on social media.

An ambulance was spotted outside Dharmendra‘s residence on Monday afternoon, as reported by ANI. Videos of family members and industry friends including Esha Deol, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Salman Khan arriving at the crematorium started circulating on social media soon after.

After his recent hospitalisation, Dharmendra on November 12 got discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital and was recovering at home. The veteran actor was earlier hospitalised on October 31 after complaining of breathlessness.

Dharmendra was all set to turn 90 on December 8. The news of his demise has sent shockwaves across the industry, with friends and well wishers visiting his house for paying respects, and social media users penning heartfelt tributes.

An era has come to an end with the actor’s demise who worked in over 300 films in a career spanning six decades. The first look of his upcoming film Ikkis released early today, sparking a heartfelt reaction from his fans. In the film, slated for December 25 release, he shared screen space with Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia.

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Recipient of 2012’s Padma Bhushan award, India’s third highest civilian honour, the actor also won National Award for his production Ghayal in 1990 in the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment category.

Small village boy to one of the most loved actors of Indian cinema

Coming from a small village in Ludhiana district, Punjab, Dharmendra’s career kicked off after he won a talent contest. While he was promised a film debut as a prize, the project never took off. Nonetheless, his acting journey soon began after director Arjun Hingorani spotted him and gave him a break in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960.

The film though not a commercial hit gave Dharmendra a launch pad before he catapulted to success with hits like Shola Aur Shabnam (1961), Anpadh (1962) and Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963). The 1963-film also won a National Award and a lot of acclaim.

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Dharmendra’s legendary film journey


The actor portrayed his roles be it hero, villain or supporting actor with sincerity and flair. In his 1964 film, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, he won hearts with his role with negative shades. The actor never shied away from starring in supporting roles or being part of multi-starrers. From Haqeeqat, Mamta, to Anupama, his roles made it clear that it was playing a good character that mattered to him the most. In two of his most memorable films – Chupke Chupke and Sholay, he shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan.

The monikers of Garam Dharam and Bollywood‘s He-Man prove his fans loved to see him in action-oriented roles be it Sholay, Dharam Veer, or Hukumat. However, the actor also played romantic hero with equal ease, be it Chupke Chupke or Seeta Aur Geeta.

His other hit films of the 80s include Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Elaan-E-Jung and Tahalka among others.

In a unique record, in 1973, Dharmendra starred in seven consecutive hits and nine successful movies in a single year, an unbroken record in Indian cinema’s history.

Heartfelt tributes pour in

Meanwhile tributes are pouring in for Dharmendra on social media.

“It is an end of an ERA….. a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history … but mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry …. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe …. Today there is a gaping hole in our industry … a space that can never be filled by anyone … there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… we love you, kind Sir…. We will miss you so much…. The heavens are blessed today…. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you…. And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke…. Ke dil abhi bhara nahi OM SHANTI,” wrote Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar on Instagram.

“You stood tall, not just in stature, but in spirit. Dharmendra ji, thank you for showing us strength can be kind. Om Shanti 🙏,” wrote cricketer Shikhar Dhawan.

“The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always . RIP Dharamji .. with love always,” wrote Kajol.

“It is painful to write this… But, as we rewind that reel of joy that he brought to millions like me, the teardrop drops down one’s cheek with gratitude and awe.

A face of rugged handsomeness, yet he exuded kindness like no other. Intense when he had to be and yet boyish and funny on another day. He had something for everyone. Romantic for some, macho for the other, but benevolent for all.

As he stands up on that Giant Water Tank in the Sky, we say goodbye and will always be grateful for the wonderful memories,” wrote Boman Irani.

“Dharmendra was not just a good actor but also a good and simple human being. I had a personal connection with him. He was committed to the country and the farmers. His work in films cannot be forgotten. The film industry has suffered a huge loss with his passing away. He used to come and meet me. I have good relations with his sons and Hema Malini ji,” Nitin Gadkari was quoted as saying by ANI.