Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away on Monday at the age of 89, IANS reported. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital a few days ago after experiencing breathing difficulties. Later, he was discharged from hospital as family opted for home-based treatment. He was currently receiving medical care at home.
Dharmendra, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8, was one of India's most recognizable film stars and a defining Bollywood screen presence in the 1970s and 1980s.
Dharmendra was cremated at the Vile Parle crematorium in Mumbai, where his elder son Sunny Deol performed the last rites.
Dharmendra's whole family including his second wife and their elder daughter Esha Deol also reached the crematorium.
Several celebs arrived to pay their final respects. Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and many other film personalities were present to bid farewell to Dharmendra.
The actor reportedly took his last breath at his home and an ambulance seen arriving at his residence and later leaving to the Hospital and barricades placed outside the house.
Dharmendra: The Bollywood 'He-Man'
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in the northern state of Punjab in 1935, he grew up in a farming family and moved to Mumbai in the late 1950s, making his Bollywood debut in 1960.
Over a career spanning six decades, he acted in more than 300 films, including the spaghetti western-style "Sholay" (1975), the romantic comedy "Chupke Chupke" (1975) and the action drama "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971).
He was affectionately known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood due to his many leading roles in action movies.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini
Dharmendra developed a particular on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini, with the pair acting together in more than two dozen films and eventually getting married in 1980.
However, the marriage was rooted in scandal since Dharmendra reportedly remained married to his first wife Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children. Dharmendra reportedly briefly converted to Islam in order to marry Malini without divorcing Kaur, since Indian law prevents Hindus from marrying twice, especially if their original spouse is still alive.
In 2012, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.
Modi moved by Dharmendra death
He also had a brief stint in politics, serving as a member of parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2004 to 2009.
"[Dharmendra] was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people."
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.
His final film, the war epic "Ikkis," is due out in cinemas in December.
