Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passes away at 89

Guwahati: Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89, reported IANS.

The actor had been discharged just 12 days earlier from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he was admitted in late October due to breathlessness.

He was approaching his 90th birthday on December 8.

Dharmendra began his film career in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and initially played roles depicting the common man in movies like Anpadh, Bandini, Anupama, and Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke.

He later transitioned to leading roles in iconic films such as Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Dream Girl.

His most recent appearance was in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

Dharmendra was also set to appear in Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, which is scheduled for release on December 25.

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar paid tribute to Dharmendra on Instagram, writing:

"It is an end of an ERA… a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence… he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history… but mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry… He only had immense love and positivity for everyone… his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe… Today there is a gaping hole in our industry… a space that can never be filled by anyone… there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI… we love you kind Sir… We will miss you so much… The heavens are blessed today… It will always be my blessing to have worked with you… And my heart says with respect, reverence and love… Abhi Na jao chodke… Ke dil abhi bhara nahi… OM SHANTI"