The Indian cinema is deeply saddened and mourning following the death of Dharmendra also known as “He-Man” of Bollywood. He was 89 years old and had a collection of legendary roles to him. The sad news was dropped on Monday morning in Mumbai after a long battle of illness.
His departure from the world has been confirmed by the family members and the hospital staff. This news shattered the industry and it also marked the end of an era – the era of Dharam Paji. An acting career of more than 60 years has sadly come to an end.
Dharmendra had been admitted to the ICU of Breach Candy Hospital for several weeks. His passing was confirmed after earlier rumors about his health had been repeatedly dismissed by the Deol family.
The He Man of Bollywood was born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8th 1935. He was from a village of Nasrali in Punjab. He started his journey in cinema not as a star kid but as a man with a dream.
The move that was about to change his life was when he moved to Bombay after winning a talent contest. This move would change everything for him and for the Indian film industry. His debut film – Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 – was a good start for an actor with no backup sources in the industry.
However the magic happened after Phool Aur Patthar in 1966 that took him to the highest of his stardom.
Dharmendra was a remarkable actor that had immense versatility and the one who effortlessly transitioned between roles. He could play the intense action hero who was ready to fight the world in films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh of 1971.
And when it came to romance he didn’t hold back and it was in his charming romantic lead in Dharam Veer (1977) that people saw it first. He also didn’t fail to take on character with wit and humour which he showed in in Chupke Chupke (1975).
His natural acting was what audiences across generations adored the most along with his dialogue delivery style.
His most iconic role which every generation knows is that of the lovable “Veeru” in the 1975 classic Sholay. This film not only put him in the shoes of romance but also gave him a platform to show his dual gen re leading capacity. Where in one hand a love and other a true friend.
Final Take
This news is extremely sad for the entire film industry and nation. The actor who started an era of being flamboyant now finally rests in peace. As much as sad this news is – it is of respect that the fans give the family the time they need in this hard situation.
Written by Kenbi Riba