Herculean hit machine: Dharmendra dies at 89

Hindi film icon and former Member of Parliament, Dharmendra, died at his home in Mumbai on Monday. The actor, widely considered to be one of the most successful stars in commercial Hindi cinema, was ailing for the past few weeks. He would have been 90 on December 8.

- Meena Iyer

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol to a government school teacher in rural Punjab, the actor, who went by his mononym, starred in some of Hindi cinema's most memorable films including 'Sholay', 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', 'Haqeeqat', 'Bandini', 'Anupama', 'Mamta', and 'Chupke Chupke'. No other actor in the Mumbai film industry has had a career spanning six decades in which they delivered commercial hits in every successive decade. One of Dharmendra's first hits was 'Aayi Milan Ki Bela' in 1964 while his last successful film was 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' in 2023. 'Ikkis', the last film he worked on, is slated for release on December 25.

"The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X after the actor's passing.

"The end of an era...a massive mega star...the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema...incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence...he is, and will always be a bona fide Legend of Indian Cinema," posted film director and producer Karan Johar on social media.

Dharmendra first hit the limelight when he won a talent search competition organised by Filmfare magazine in the late 50s and where he was spotted by Bimal Roy. The actor would go on to deliver one of his subtlest performances in Roy's 'Bandini' in 1963. But it would not be through his nuanced acting in films like 'Bandini', 'Anupama' or 'Satyakam' that Dharmendra became the mega-star that he was.