Mumbai, Nov 24: Bollywood veteran actor Dharmendra has passed away. He was 89 years old. Known as the 'He-Man' of Bollywood, Dharmendra ruled the film industry for more than six decades.
Earlier this month, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to a serious illness. Later, he was discharged and was being treated at home. However, sources said that he breathed his last today due to ineffective treatment.
Dharmendra's mortal remains have been taken to the crematorium, where many family members, friends and film luminaries, including his daughter Esha Deol, are arriving.
Bollywood veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, among others, have arrived at the crematorium.
Dharmendra, who made his debut with the film 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere' in 1960, began his career in the 1960s with regular roles in films like Anpad, Bandini, Anupama and Aya Sawan Zoom Ke. He later rose to fame by appearing in lead roles in films like Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Dream Girl.
Dharmendra was last seen in 'Teri Batan Mein Aisa Ulja Jiya' starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. His next film 'Ikkis', starring Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda in the lead role, is set to release on December 25.
Dharmendra's major films:
Dharmendra has acted in many super-hit films including Sholay (1975) and Chupke Chupke (1975). Phool Aur Pattar (1966), Sita Aur Geeta (1972), Dharam Veer (1977), and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971). He was also known for films like Pratigya (1975), Aankhen (1968), and Bandini (1963).
Actor Dharmendra was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bikaner, Rajasthan, on a BJP ticket in 2004 and served as a Member of Parliament.
Dharmendra is survived by his two wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and six children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijetha Deol, Ajeeta Deol, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Many celebrities, including Bollywood's renowned producer Karan Johar, have condoled Dharmendra's death.