Dharmendra’s Funeral: Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Salman Khan Pay Last Tributes to Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’

Dharmendra’s Funeral: Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Salman Khan Pay Last Tributes to Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’New Delhi: The ‘He-Man of Bollywood’ has passed away at the age of 89. Earlier this month, shockwaves were sent across the country after the veteran actor was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, where several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan and Govinda, visited the iconic actor.

The actor was later discharged and returned home to continue his recovery. However, it has now been confirmed that Dharmendra has passed away.

The ambulance left for Dharmendra's Juhu residence, following which security at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai was tightened. While the family is yet to issue an official statement, his daughter Esha Deol and Hema Malini were spotted arriving at the cremation ground.

Several videos of the actress are surfacing on social media, where she was seen stepping out of her car and crossing the road to reach the crematorium. She was seen covering her face with her dupatta to avoid the paparazzi.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, dressed in a white kurta, was also seen arriving at the crematorium. Soon after, Dharmendra’s Sholay co-star Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan were spotted. Actors Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan, Salman Khan, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur were also photographed at the location, along with the late actor’s family.

Dharmendra’s Film Career

Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he began his film career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a nationwide talent hunt. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, organized a contest to find new faces for Hindi cinema.

Dharmendra entered the competition and was selected as the winner in 1958, chosen for his striking looks and natural charm. This victory opened the doors of the film industry for him. The same talent hunt later discovered Rajesh Khanna, one of Hindi cinema’s biggest superstars.

Dharmendra quickly rose to fame with his charismatic looks, emotional depth and effortless screen presence. His versatility allowed him to shine in romance, action, and comedy. Some of his most iconic films include Phool Aur Patthar, which established him as a leading man, and Sholay, where his portrayal of the witty and lovable Veeru became legendary.

Dharmendra was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.