Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, has died at 89 at his home in Mumbai, according to multiple reports.

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Punjab, he rose from humble beginnings to become a defining action hero of the 1970s and 1980s.

His career spanned over six decades and more than 300 films, with iconic roles ranging from the intense “Phool Aur Patthar” to the cult classic Sholay.

His journey into Bollywood began after winning a talent search, which led him to Mumbai in the late 1950s and his debut in the 1960 film “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere”.
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In Phool Aur Patthar (1966), he famously appeared bare-chested — a moment that changed the game in Hindi cinema.
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Dharmendra’s on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini was magnetic. They co-starred in beloved films like Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and Sholay (1975), before marrying in 1980 — even while he remained legally married to his first wife, Prakash Kaur.

But beyond his action-hero image, Dharmendra showed impressive range in more nuanced roles in films like Bandini, Anupama, and Satyakam, cementing his reputation as a versatile performer.

He also briefly entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament, and was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his contributions to cinema.

In recent weeks, Dharmendra had been hospitalized for respiratory issues at Breach Candy Hospital. He was discharged mid-November and was being cared for at home.
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His final rites were held at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai, with Bollywood heavyweights and political leaders paying their respects.

His passing has prompted widespread grief across India’s film industry. Filmmaker Karan Johar described his death as “an end of an era,” while actor Suniel Shetty remembered him as “strength wrapped in grace.”

Dharmendra leaves behind a large family, including two wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur, and six children — among them actors Sunny, Bobby, and Esha Deol.