The heart of Indian cinema is heavy today. Veteran superstar Dharmendra, the loved ‘He-Man’ whose unmatched charisma, rugged good looks, and immense versatility ruled the silver screen for over six decades, has passed away. The legendary actor breathed his last on Monday, November 24, in Mumbai, at 89 years of age. It was confirmed by his team; an era has come to an end that shall always be etched in the annals of Bollywood history.
Dharmendra Latest Update: The Final Curtain Call
Dharmendra’s Latest News and Updates Confirm that the Actor Had Been Unwell for Some Time and Was Admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. For several days, fans and the industry watched anxiously as reports about his health fluctuated, with the family initially requesting privacy and denying serious claims. However, an official statement released by his team on Tuesday confirmed the devastating news of his demise. The entire film fraternity and his millions of fans are now in mourning, remembering the star who embodied the perfect blend of action, romance, and comedy.
Dharmendra’s Death Reason: A Prolonged Health Battle
The official statement surrounding Dharmendra’s death speaks of a long battle with health. The actor was continuously under medical observation at the hospital, reportedly for issues related to old age and recurring breathlessness, which had even led to his admittance to the ICU recently. While the specific causes of Dharmendra’s death have to do with age-related illnesses, the family has continued to maintain dignity and privacy during this challenging time, focusing on his immense contribution to cinema.
The Legend of the ‘He-Man’: Dharmendra Movies & Awards
Dharam Singh Deol was born on December 8, 1935, in a village in Punjab, and his rise to Bollywood was truly a story of rags to riches propelled by sheer passion. He burst onto the scene with his debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960). His breakthrough came with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), cementing his status as a leading man.
Dharmendra’s filmography is a treasure trove of Indian classic films. He balanced genres with elan, proving that there was much more to the ‘Action King.’ He could be the intense hero of Satyakam (1969), the rugged bandit Veeru in the monumental Sholay (1975), the master of disguise in the hilarious Chupke Chupke (1975), and the swashbuckling star of Dharam Veer (1977).
His recent roles in films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), through which he gained the hearts of a new generation, have proved his timeless appeal. For lifelong contribution, he received the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in the year 1997 and the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012.
‘Basanti, In Kutto Ke Samne Mat Nachna!’: Dharmendra Famous Dialogues
Dharmendra’s persona was taken to an all-time high by his unforgettable lines, now part of Indian pop culture. His roaring, raw dialogue delivery made him ‘Garam Dharam‘ or Hot-headed Dharam.
- “Basanti, in kuttokesamne mat nachna!” (Basanti, don’t dance in front of these dogs!) – Sholay (1975)
- “Kutte, kaminey, main terakhoon pee jaoonga!” (You dogs, you scoundrels, I will drink your blood!) – Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
- “Jab main maroonga, toh police aayegi, police aayegi toh budhiya jail jayegi, jail jayegi toh chakki peesegi, aur peesegi, aur peesegi!” (When I die, the police will come, and when the police come, the old woman will go to jail, and in jail, she will grind the mill, and grind, and grind!) – Sholay (1975)
Dharmendra Family & Wives: A Life of Personal Drama
Dharmendra’s personal life was filled with as much drama and publicity as his films. He was a thorough family man and had two marriages.
- First Wife, Prakash Kaur: Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, prior to his entry into the film business. They had four children: sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both established actors, plus daughters Vijeta and Ajeita. Prakash Kaur, for the most part, remained out of the media spotlight, as she lived a private life.
- Second Wife, Hema Malini: Dharmendra married the ‘Dream Girl’ of Bollywood, actress Hema Malini, in 1980, with whom he had worked in numerous hit films, most notably Sholay and Seeta Aur Geeta. They have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, both of whom have also explored careers in the arts. His son, Sunny, and Bobby Deol, among others from the Deol family, were beside him during the final days, highlighting the strong, though complex, bond within the entire Deol clan.
The He-Man’s Treasure: Dharmendra Net Worth
Given his huge success and longevity in the film industry, Dharmendra amassed a lot of wealth. His Dharmendra net worth ranges from $70 million to $80 million, which roughly converts to ₹570 to ₹650 Crore. His earnings came from his film remuneration, which were amongst the highest during his peak time, production ventures, endorsements, and his personal properties, including a reputed farmhouse in Lonavala, where he often retreated during his later years.
The Unwavering Love: Dharmendra Fans Followings
Dharmendra’s humility, honesty, and poetic soul garnered him one of the most devoted fan followings in the history of Bollywood. His humility was the stuff of legend-he usually referred to himself as a simple farmer’s son from Punjab. His fans were drawn as much to his vulnerability as to his bravado. The outpouring of grief and condolences from global fans, political figures (he was a former MP from Bikaner), and every generation of the film industry itself is a testimony to the love and respect he commanded.
A Sombre Goodbye: Dharmendra’s Funeral
Details about Dharmendra’s funeral and last rites will be announced soon by the family. It is expected to be private, attended only by the immediate family and close friends, and later, a public function for the industry and his legions of fans to pay their last respects. As the sun sets on this cinematic giant, the industry mourns the loss of an icon whose work defined generations. The He-Man is gone, but the thunder of his legendary screen presence will echo forever.
FAQs
What is the reason for Dharmendra’s Death?
The veteran actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 due to prolonged health issues. The actor was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital.
Is Dharmendra on a ventilator?
Dharmendra was on ventilator support for a long time, but he unfortunately passed away at the age of 89 due to prolonged health issues at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
Who had a crush on Dharmendra?
Jaya Bachchan had a crush on Dharmendra, which she openly admitted on the shows like Koffee with Karan in 20707. She humorously said that she is fond of him and wishes to play Hema Malini’s role of Basanti in Sholay.
Why does HemaMalini not live with Dharmendra?
Dharmendra lived with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and children. Hema Malini stated that while every woman desires a normal life, she accepted the situation that unfolded and is content with raising her daughters.
Which community does Dharmendra belong to?
Dharmendra belongs to the Punjabi Jat community, but later he converted to Islam.
Why did Dharmendra convert to Islam?
Dharmendra and Hema Malini converted to Islam in 1979 to legally facilitate their marriage, as the Hindu Marriage Act prohibited a second marriage without divorcing the first wife, and his first wife, Prakash Kaur, did not want a divorce.
What is Dharmendra’s net worth?
Dharmendra’s net worth is reported to be around Rs 335 crore, and the entire Doel family’s net worth is over Rs 1,000 crore.
