Dharmendra, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, died on Monday at the age of 89. The actor, known for his roles in both romantic comedies and action films, had been hospitalized in Mumbai for several weeks prior to his death. He was set to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, "The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people."

Dharmendra, often referred to as Bollywood's "He-Man," was celebrated for his unique blend of action heroism and romantic tenderness. His career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 300 films. He gained immense popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly for his role as Veeru in the 1975 classic "Sholay," which is considered one of India's greatest films.

In addition to his iconic performances, Dharmendra was known for his collaborations with other stars, including Amitabh Bachchan. Their partnership in "Sholay" solidified Dharmendra's status as a superstar. He also shared a notable on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini, whom he married in 1980. The couple acted together in over two dozen films, becoming one of Bollywood's most beloved pairs.

Before his marriage to Malini, Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Despite marrying Malini, he reportedly never divorced Kaur, which led to some controversy. Local media indicated that he briefly converted to Islam to marry Malini, as Indian law prohibits Hindus from marrying again while their spouse is alive.

Later in his career, Dharmendra transitioned to more character-driven roles, often portraying father figures in films during the 1990s and 2000s. His last film, "Ikkis," is set to be released next month.

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab in 1935, he grew up in a farming family. He moved to Mumbai in the late 1950s and made his film debut in 1960. In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, he received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 2012. Dharmendra also had a brief political career, serving as a member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009.

He is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that has significantly shaped Indian cinema.