Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89, just days ahead of his 90th birthday. The news has deeply saddened the film fraternity and fans across the nation.
- On Monday afternoon, Hema Malini and Esha Deol were seen outside the crematorium, marking the somber moment just two weeks after bringing Dharmendra home from hospital, where he was admitted due to health complications.
- Dharmendra had been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital last week and was recuperating at home under family care.
- Dr. Pratit Samdani confirmed, “Dharmendra was discharged at 7:30 am today. His family is taking care of him at their residence. Pray that his treatment and recovery continue smoothly.” During his hospitalization, many film industry stalwarts, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, visited to check on his health.
- Just a day after his discharge, a visibly emotional Sunny Deol was seen confronting photographers outside their home, expressing frustration and urging them to show respect, saying, “Aap logon ko sharam aani chahiye… Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bachche hain…,” folding his hands in appeal.
- Dharmendra’s illustrious career spanned over six decades with unforgettable roles in classics such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, and Dharam Veer.
- His final film, the war drama Ikkis starring Agastya Nanda, is set to release posthumously.
Dharmendra is survived by his first wife Prakash Kaur, his second wife and actress Hema Malini, and six children: sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second.
Aamir Khan was among the first celebrities to arrive at the crematorium for Dharmendra’s final rites. He had also been one of the initial visitors when the actor was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital two weeks ago.Paying tribute, Kareena Kapoor shared a heartfelt picture of her grandfather Raj Kapoor embracing Dharmendra, captioning it with a heart emoji and the words, “Forever in Power” and “Chardi Kala.”
