Dharmendra: Bollywood's 'He Man' to International Heartthrob

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Dharmendra, the iconic Bollywood actor known for his rugged persona, started his career as a romantic lead in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, he gained international recognition as one of the world's most handsome men, featured in top 10 and top 5 lists by global publications. He was even compared to Hollywood legends James Dean and Paul Newman, an honor he humbly acknowledged. In an interview, Dharmendra recalled being surprised by the comparisons, saying, 'I had never seen his films, but after watching them, I thought I might share a passing resemblance from the side.' This international acclaim marked a significant shift from his initial romantic roles to his later action-oriented persona. Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that transcended his on-screen personas. Despite battling ill health, he was cremated at the Pavan Hans Crematorium, surrounded by his loved ones.