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PM Modi pays tribute to Dharmendra, says he ‘brought charm and depth to every role’: ‘End of an era’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to pay tribute to Dharmendra and express his heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members.

Actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai. (Express archive photo)

With the demise of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, an era has come to an end. Having worked in over 300 films, Dharmendra was one of the most accomplished and celebrated actors in the history of Bollywood. Following his passing in Mumbai on Monday morning, the legendary thespian’s last rites were conducted at the Pawan Hans crematorium in the city later in the day.

Soon after the news of his passing broke, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to pay tribute to Dharmendra and express his heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members. Calling the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’ an “iconic film personality and a phenomenal actor,” Modi noted that Dharmendra was also known for his “simplicity and humility.”

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He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “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 (sic).”

Née Dharmendra Deol, he was born to a school teacher in the Sahnewal village of Ludhiana district, Punjab, in 1935. A complete outsider with no prior connections to Tinseltown whatsoever, Dharmendra entered the film industry after winning a national talent contest organised by a film magazine. He eventually made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Renowned for his striking looks, Dharmendra rose to fame as an action hero.

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Dharmendra, who was already married to Prakash Kaur before his movie debut, fell in love with his frequent co-star Hema Malini and welcomed her into his life in 1980, while the two of them were at the peak of their respective careers. Even as he had four children — sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Ajeeta and Vijayta — from his marriage to Prakash Kaur, Dharmendra and Hema Malini became parents to two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, later.

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