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News Topical, Digital Desk : Veteran actor Dharmendra, who enriched Hindi cinema with dozens of unforgettable films like Baharen Phir Bhi Aayenge, Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Charas, has bid farewell to this world. With his charming smile and charming personality, he ruled the hearts of his fans for decades. He was an artist who witnessed the Hindi film industry transition from black and white to color and now the digital era, ensuring he remained relevant throughout.
Worked in more than 300 films
His stardom remained intact despite Rajesh Khanna's superstardom and Amitabh Bachchan's rise. Dharmendra, 89, who appeared in nearly 300 films in a career spanning 65 years, had been unwell for some time. Rumors of his death began circulating around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, but the news remained unconfirmed, casting doubt on the media. An ambulance was seen outside his residence, sparking speculation. The Deol family was then seen carrying Dharmendra's body to the crematorium in the ambulance. Dharmendra's daughter Esha Deol and wife Hema Malini, along with Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan, Salim Khan, Govinda, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh, were among those who arrived at the crematorium to pay their last respects.
People associated with cinema and politics also paid tribute to him on the internet media. No statement was issued by the family on his demise. Dharmendra was cremated by his elder son Sunny Deol. However, questions remained about Dharmendra not being given a state funeral like stars like Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar, Manoj Kumar and Sridevi. Let us tell you, his wife Hema Malini, daughter Esha Deol and son Sunny Deol had expressed strong displeasure on the news of Dharmendra's death on November 11, when he was admitted to the hospital. He was brought home the next day and since then he was undergoing treatment at home. His family was also preparing to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8.
Father wanted his son to become a professor
Dharmendra was born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village, Ludhiana district, Punjab. His father was a school teacher. When Dharmendra was just two years old, his father was transferred to Sahnewal village. His father wanted his son to become a professor. However, a fan of Dilip Kumar and Madhubala's films, Dharmendra dreamed of becoming an actor.
Entry into films through talent hunt competition
Dharmendra's acting career began with his selection in a talent hunt contest organized by Filmfare magazine in 1958. He signed his first film, Bimal Roy's Bandini, starring Ashok Kumar and Nutan. However, the film's release was delayed. He entered the acting world in 1960 with Arjun Higorani's Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. After several films like Aayi Milan Ki Bela, Haqeeqat, and Kaajal, he achieved stardom with the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar opposite Meena Kumari. The pairing of Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru in the 1975 film Sholay became an example of friendship. In the following decades, he began playing character roles.
Dharmendra's personal life has been in the headlines continuously.
Dharmendra married twice. He has two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajita, from his first wife Prakash Kaur. In 1980, he married actress Hema Malini. They have daughters Esha and Ahana. In 1981, Dharmendra started the production house Vijeta Films. Under this banner, he launched his two sons, nephew Abhay Deol, and grandson Karan Deol. Dharmendra, who has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan, also tried his hand in politics for some time. In 2004, he became a Lok Sabha member from Bikaner on a BJP ticket. The actor, who has bid farewell to the stage of life, will be seen in the film Ikkis, releasing on December 25.
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