Bollywood Legend Dharmendra Passes Away at 89: A Life of Action, Romance, and Legacy
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Indian cinema lost a legend on Monday morning as Dharmendra, the iconic actor known for his action-packed films and romantic dramas, passed away at the age of 89. The veteran actor, who had been recovering at home after a recent health scare, breathed his last at his Juhu residence. Dharmendra's film career spanned over six decades, during which he established himself as a versatile actor, effortlessly transitioning from romantic lead to action hero and character artiste. Born in Ludhiana in 1935, Dharmendra began his journey in Bollywood with the romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960. He soon gained recognition with Chetan Anand's 1965 war film Haqeeqat and became a saleable star with Phool Aur Patthar in 1966. Over the next decade, Dharmendra worked in some of the biggest hits in Bollywood, including Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Chupke Chupke, Sholay, and Yaadon Ki Baraat. In the 1980s, Dharmendra transitioned to action films, earning the nickname 'He Man of India' for his roles in low-budget crime thrillers. He also successfully transitioned to character roles in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Johnny Gaddaar, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Dharmendra's personal life was marked by two marriages – to Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini – and a total of six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Dharmendra served as a Member of Parliament for one term, elected on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket in 2004. Throughout his illustrious career, Dharmendra worked with his sons – Sunny and Bobby – in several films, including the Yamla Pagla Deewana series and Apne. His final film, Ikkis, is set to release next month. The Bollywood fraternity has lost a true legend, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
