Veteran Bollywood Actor Dharmendra Passes Away Aged 89

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89 at his residence in Mumbai, bringing to a close one of the most influential careers in Indian cinema. Reports confirm he died after recent health complications, having been discharged only days earlier from Breach Candy Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for respiratory-related issues.

Dharmendra, born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in 1935, was one of the defining faces of Hindi cinema from the 1960s onwards. He appeared in more than 300 films, evolving from a romantic hero to one of Bollywood’s most beloved action stars — earning the nickname “He-Man” for his charismatic, rugged screen presence. His performances in classics such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta and Mera Gaon Mera Desh shaped an entire era of filmmaking and continue to hold cultural significance.

This early-era image is often associated with Dharmendra’s youthful journey into cinema, reflecting the charm and intensity he carried into his celebrated career.

For Australian readers, Dharmendra’s passing resonates strongly, especially within the Indian-Australian community where Bollywood remains a vibrant cultural thread. His films have long been part of family movie nights, community gatherings and cultural festivals across the country. For many who migrated from India or other South Asian regions, his movies provided a sense of home and continuity. Even among non-South Asian Australians who enjoy world cinema, Dharmendra’s work offered a window into India’s storytelling traditions, music and emotional depth.

His death also marks the loss of a symbol of old-world Bollywood — a time when films were defined by heartfelt drama, memorable dialogue and larger-than-life characters. Generations grew up watching him, quoting him and cheering for him. Today, his influence can still be seen in the careers of younger actors, filmmakers and pop-culture references across South Asia.

As tributes pour in from fellow actors, directors and public figures, it’s clear Dharmendra was more than a film star. He represented an era, a style and a spirit of filmmaking that shaped the identity of modern Bollywood. His passing is not just a moment of loss for India but one that echoes across countries like Australia, where South Asian culture has a thriving presence.

For many fans here, revisiting his work feels like revisiting their own history — the music, the family traditions, the laughter and the memories tied to his films. Dharmendra’s legacy will endure through those stories and the generations who discover Bollywood through him.

Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and all those whose lives were touched by his work.