Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra passed away at 89 at his Mumbai residence on November 24, with last rites held at Pawan Hans Crematorium. Celebrities, including Karan Johar, paid emotional tributes. A week earlier, the actor had been hospitalised for breathing issues but was discharged on November 12. His journey spanned humble schooling in Punjab to iconic stardom in Indian cinema.

Bollywood icon Dharmendra, a veteran of the industry, died in his Mumbai residence on Monday, November 24th. He was 89 years old. His last rituals took place at the Pawan Hans Crematorium. An ambulance had been observed coming there earlier. Several well-known celebrities and relatives came together at the crematorium to say their last goodbyes to the legendary figure.

Dharmendra was hospitalised at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai last week after experiencing breathing difficulties and was reportedly placed on a ventilator. However, his family denied these reports. As per the doctors, he was released from the hospital on November 12th and was recuperating at home, monitored by medical professionals.

Dharmendra’s Education and Early Journey

College Education

1. Completed matriculation under Panjab University, Chandigarh (as all Punjab schools were affiliated during that period).

2. Continued studies before eventually moving to Mumbai to explore opportunities beyond academics.

Schooling

1. Studied at Government Senior Secondary School, Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where his father served as the headmaster.

2. Later completed matriculation at Phagwara in 1952.

3. Spent his childhood in Sahnewal and originally belonged to the village Nasrali in Ludhiana district.

Career

1. Moved to Mumbai to pursue acting dreams despite his small-town upbringing.

2. Achieved superstardom with iconic films such as Satyakam, Chupke Chupke and Sholay, the latter widely celebrated as one of India’s greatest films.

3. Known affectionately as Bollywood’s “He-Man” for his on-screen persona.

4. Featured in Outlook India’s 75 Best Bollywood Actors list (2022) and ranked 10th in Rediff.com’s Top 10 Bollywood Actors of All Time.

Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram to post a touching tribute, describing Dharmendra as the "last of the greats." Karan shared a photo of the actor, and in the caption, he conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of collaborating with him.

Dharmendra's work front

Dharmendra was slated to see in Sriram Raghavan's forthcoming movie Ikkis. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda. It is scheduled to hit theatres on December 25.