By Admin 
Veteran actor Dharmendra, who achieved a different position in the entertainment world by working in more than 300 films from ‘Satyakam’ to ‘Sholay’, died here on Monday, a few days before his 90th birthday.
The last rites of this very popular actor, who spent most of his life in the glare of the film world, were performed at the Pawan Hans cremation ground in Vile Parle suburb of Mumbai. Dharmendra’s family did not comment on his death.
Dharmendra would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8. Dharmendra (89) was unwell for some time and was admitted to the hospital. Ultimately on 12 November, after several media outlets reported his death and his angry family requested privacy, he was discharged from the hospital and taken to his home in Juhu, where he breathed his last.
Amidst the silence maintained by the family, the camera crew and other people present outside his residence started speculating after seeing the ambulance and several vehicles coming out of the gate.
After some time, his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, as well as film industry’s Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and his father Salim Khan were seen at the cremation ground.
Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff and Shabana Azmi were also present during the funeral.
Bano, who has worked with Dharmendra in several films like ‘Aai Milan Ki Bela’, ‘Jwar Bhata’ and ‘Resham Ki Dori’, said that she had spoken to the actor earlier this month. During the conversation, Dharmendra had told him not to worry, he would come to meet him soon.
Bano told ‘PTI-Bhasha’, ‘This is the saddest day because he was a part of the family. I am in shock. I thought we would celebrate his birthday.
He said, ‘Dilip Sahab considered Dharmendra like a younger brother. The relationship between them was more than just work. We have been with each other in good and bad times. He was one of the few people who visited Dilip Sahab often, whether in the hospital or at home.
President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other senior leaders on Monday expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor Dharmendra and said that his demise marks the end of an era and his legacy will always inspire the young generation of artistes.
Expressing grief over his demise, President Murmu posted on ‘X’, ‘The demise of veteran actor and former MP Dharmendra ji is a big loss for Indian cinema. Dharmendra, one of the most popular actors, gave many memorable films during his decades-long illustrious career. As a great personality of Indian cinema, he has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire the younger generation of artists. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.
The Vice President posted on ‘X’, ‘The demise of former MP and veteran actor Dharmendra ji is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema.’
Prime Minister Modi said that with Dharmendra’s death ‘an era in Indian cinema has ended’.
In a post on ‘X’, the Prime Minister said, ‘He was an iconic film personality, a wonderful actor who brought charm and depth to every character he played. The way he played diverse roles left a deep impression in the hearts of countless people.
The Prime Minister said, ‘Dharmendra ji was also known for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family, friends and countless fans. Om Shanti.’
The film industry also expressed deep grief over the demise of Dharmendra. Many celebrities including Saira Banu, Sharmila Tagore, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor expressed deep grief over the demise of the actor known as ‘Garam Dharam’ and India’s first ‘He-Man’.
Actress Tagore, who has worked with Dharmendra in ‘Satyakaam’ and ‘Chupke Chupke’, said, ‘I did not see any change in him (Dharamji) till the end. As an actor, it was undoubtedly wonderful to act with him. His behavior towards the crowd or people on the set was equally friendly and cooperative. Whether he was rich or poor, he met everyone with equal warmth. I have seen him hugging anyone on the street without any hesitation.
Karan Johar said in a post on ‘Instagram’, ‘This is the end of an era… the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema… He was, is and will always be a true legend of Indian cinema… But most of all, he was a wonderful human being… He was loved by everyone in our film industry.’
Akshay shared a picture of the veteran actor and said that Dharmendra will always live through his films. He wrote in a post on ‘X’, ‘Dharmendra ji was the hero that every young boy wanted to be… the real ‘He-Man’ of our film industry, thank you for inspiring generations. You will live on through your films and your love. Om Shanti.’
Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, had a remarkable career spanning six decades. He worked in more than 300 films and played lead roles in many great films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Satyakam’, ‘Anupama’, ‘Sita Aur Geeta’.
Dharmendra is survived by his wife Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta, Ajita, Isha and Ahana.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the year 2012.
The actor also played a brief innings in politics. He won from Bikaner Lok Sabha seat in 2004, but retired from active politics after just one term.
Dharmendra remained active till the end and fans will be able to see him on screen for the last time in the film ‘Ikkis’ directed by Sriram Raghavan.