The film industry’s He Man, Dharmendra, breathed his last this morning (24th November) at his residence. His health had been a cause for concern for his near and dear ones for the last more than three weeks. The 89-year-old star had been discharged from hospital on 12th November after being put on ventilator support following complications. He had been hospitalised on 31st October due to heart problems and had to be put on the ventilator after he faced breathing problems.
The mortal remains of Dharmendra, who was to turn 90 on 8th December, were consigned to the flames this afternoon around 1.30 p.m. Although the family did not officially break the news of the demise for several hours as they wanted the last rites to be performed without attracting too much media attention, many top stars reached the Pawan Hans cremation ground as word about the demise spread. Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and several others paid their last respects in person at the cremation.
Dharmendra was as much loved for his acting prowess as for his wonderful nature. He was completely a people’s man and endeared himself to whomever he came in touch with. Affable, fun-loving, humble and simple, he was as much the darling of his countless fans as he was of the people in the film industry. He had acted in over 300 films in a career spanning six decades. His last release will be Ikkis, which is scheduled to hit the screens on 25th December this year.
Although Dharmendra was the epitome of the rough and tough hero, his charming and innocent face also saw him essay romantic roles with equal ease. Because he was a fantastic actor, he was also adept at comedy roles and handled comic characters with the same elan. Among the many hits, super-hits, blockbusters and noteworthy films he acted in are Sholay, Dharam-Veer, Dream Girl, Loafer, Jugnu, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Pratiggya, Charas, Hukumat, Jeevan Mrityu, Kahani Kismat Ki, Apne, Ankhen, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and the more recent Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Among his early films were Satyakam, Anupama, Bandini, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, and Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. The dialogue, “Kutte, tera khoon pee jaaoonga”, became iconic because this was Dharmendra’s patent dialogue in many films. Nostrils flaring, this one dialogue of his made the villain shiver in his pants even as the public in the cinema halls applauded in unison.
Dharmendra was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
Dharmendra had two wives. He was married to Prakash with whom he had four children including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. He later married leading actress Hema Malini. Esha and Ahana Deol were his daughters with Hema.
That Dharmendra had a heart of gold was well-known in the film industry. There are several people from Punjab, who, during their struggling days in the film industry, were provided food and accommodation for months together by Dharam paaji, as he was respectfully referred to. Because of his rough-and-tough image and his tremendous sex appeal, Dharmendra was often also called Garam Dharam.
Not just industry tops but also ministers and top political figures paid their condolences to the bereaved family on social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu condoled his demise with tweets in praise of the star-actor.
