Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra has died at the age of 89, media outlets confirmed on Monday. The actor passed away in Mumbai, only weeks after being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been receiving medical care.
Dharmendra had been admitted earlier this month and was briefly placed on life support, according to sources familiar with his health. He was released from the hospital on November 12, with doctors reporting he was stable and arrangements made for continued care at home.
Born on December 8, the celebrated actor would have turned 90 next month. He had remained under close medical supervision in recent weeks.
Over a career spanning six decades, Dharmendra appeared in more than 300 films and became one of the most influential figures in Hindi cinema. He made his acting debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and went on to deliver numerous iconic performances in some of Bollywood’s biggest hits.
He most recently appeared in the 2024 film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. His upcoming project, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, had been highly anticipated.
Honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra remains remembered as one of the most beloved and enduring stars in Indian film history.