Dharmendra passes away at 89, superstar's cause of death revealed: Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar actor died due to...

Born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, veteran superstar Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest, most successful, and iconic actors in Hindi cinema. Nicknamed the 'He-Man' of Bollywood, he worked in over 300 films across six decades. Dharmendra holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

Dharmendra was discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital two weeks ago. As per reports, he had several health issues and died on Sunday night because of age-related health complications.

After winning Filmfare’s nationwide talent hunt for new actors in 1958, Dharmendra moved to Mumbai to embark on what would become a highly successful career in Bollywood. He made his acting debut in the 1960 release Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and never looked back. The late actor then starred in critically acclaimed films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Haqeeqat, Anpadh, and Bandini; until he tasted major commercial success with Phool Aur Pathhar in 1965.

In the late 1960s to 1980s, Dharmendra delivered several blockbusters, including Ankhen, Seeta Aur Geeta, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Pratiggya, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, and Hukumat among others. He also won the hearts of the audiences with his acclaimed performances in Satyakam, Samadhi, Chupke Chupke, Resham Ki Dori, and The Burning Train.

In the last three decades in his career, the actor appeared in character roles in award-winning and renowned movies such as Life In A Metro, Johnny Gaddaar, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Dharmendra's last release will be the war-drama Ikkis, in which he will share screen space with Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda. It is slated to hit theatres on December 25 coinciding with Christmas later this year.

On his personal front, Dharmendra had two marriages. His first wife was Prakash Kaur, with whom he tied the knot in 1954 when he was just 19 and with whom, he shares four children - two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol (both successful actors) and two daughters Ajeeta Deol and Vijeta Deol. In 1980, Dharmendra married actress Hema Malini, with whom he made one of the most successful pairings in the Bollywood history. He and Hema share two daughters - Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Esha is also an actor.

Beyond his illustrious acting career, Dharmendra also made his mark as a film producer and politician, serving as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner from 2004 to 2009. Renowned for his humility and charismatic presence, the late actor remained one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema. Despite personal controversies, including his two marriages, his enduring legacy as a legendary performer and timeless Bollywood icon continues to inspire generations of artists and admirers.

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