Dharmendra, Bollywood’s ‘He Man’ and one of its most enduring stars, dies at 89

Dharmendra, one of the most enduring stars of India’s Bollywood cinema, has died at the age of 89.

Born Dharam Singh Deol, but later known as Dharmendra, he rose to fame in the 1960s and became one of the most celebrated and popular stars of Indian cinema in a career that spanned six decades.

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, was among those who paid tribute to Dharmendra after it was announced he had died at home in Mumbai on Monday morning.

Modi said that his death marked 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,” Modi said on X.

Often called Bollywood’s “He-Man” in reference to his muscular phys