The passing of veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra at the age of 89 on Monday in Mumbai has drawn widespread condolences, including a heartfelt tribute from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The former Member of Parliament and star, who was known for his versatility across action, romance, and comedy, had been unwell for the past month. His funeral was attended by several industry veterans, including Amitabh Bachchan, at a Juhu crematorium.
Political Leaders Pay Tribute
Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his profound grief over the loss:
“The news of the demise of the great actor Dharmendra ji is extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the Indian art world. His unparalleled contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love.”
Gandhi concluded by offering his “heartfelt tribute” and condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and fans.
- PM Modi’s Condolence: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier stated that the actor’s death “marks the end of an era in Indian cinema,” praising his simplicity and the depth he brought to diverse roles.
- Other Leaders: President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and other political figures also extended their condolences.
A Colossal Six-Decade Legacy
Over a towering career that spanned six decades and over 250 films, Dharmendra evolved into one of Bollywood’s most beloved and versatile stars:
- Iconic Roles: He cemented his status with his action persona, earning the moniker “He-Man,” but was equally celebrated for his romantic charm (Seeta Aur Geeta) and comic timing (Chupke Chupke).
- Sholay: His portrayal of Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay remains one of the most iconic performances in Bollywood history, influencing pop culture for generations.
- Political Career: The actor also served as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and six children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. His final completed film, Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis, is slated for release next month.