Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89, sources close to IANS confirmed today, marking the end of an era for Indian cinema. The actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, had been under intermittent medical care in recent weeks.

The news comes after the superstar was discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, where he had been receiving treatment. At that time, Dr. Rajiv Sharma had assured IANS that the actor was “fully satisfied” with the care provided and was stable enough to return home. He had urged the public not to believe or circulate false health updates, instead asking fans to pray for Dharmendra’s recovery.

However, Dharmendra’s condition had been critical earlier. Sources had told IANS on November 10 that the actor was on life support, and he had been placed under strict medical observation by top doctors since October 31.

Dharmendra’s passing leaves behind a monumental cinematic legacy spanning over six decades and more than 300 films. Widely celebrated as one of the most handsome, charismatic and commercially successful stars in Hindi cinema, he also held the record for appearing in the highest number of hit films.

He made his screen debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ and rose to fame through a string of acclaimed films in the mid-1960s, including ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’, ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, and ‘Aaye Din Bahar Ke’. His superstardom continued with classics such as ‘Ankhen’, ‘Shikar’, ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’, ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Jugnu’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Pratiggya’, ‘Dharam Veer, Sholay’, ‘The Burning Train’, and ‘Charas’, among many others.

In the later phase of his career, Dharmendra transitioned seamlessly into mature and character roles, appearing in acclaimed films like ‘Life in a… Metro’, ‘Johnny Gaddaar’, ‘Apne’, ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ and most recently ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ (2024).

He was due to appear next in Sriram Raghavan’s war drama ‘Ikkis’, starring Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal.

Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra leaves behind a legacy defined by versatility, enduring stardom, and an unmatched contribution to Indian cinema.

His passing has left millions of fans, colleagues, and admirers mourning the loss of one of Bollywood’s greatest icons.