Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creats a sand sculpture to pay tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra at Puri beach, Odisha, on Monday. Mumbai : One of the most beloved icons of Hindi cinema, actor-politician Dharam Kewal Krishan Deol - universally adored as the heart-throb Dharmendra - passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness at his Mumbai residence, barely a fortnight before his 90th birthday. He was 89. His entire family was by his side during his final moments, even as the news sent a wave of shock, grief, and nostalgia through Bollywood and the millions who grew up watching and admiring him. Admitted to a private Mumbai hospital earlier this month, Dharmendra’s declining health had put the nation on edge. His family had repeatedly appealed for calm as unfounded rumours of his passing circulated, underscoring the deep emotional connect he shared with audiences. Renowned for his gentle charm, quiet dignity, and earthy Jat masculinity, Dharmendra’s screen presence spanned the transition from black-and-white cinema to widescreen colour spectacle. For generations of film-goers, he was the epitome of the affable hero - handsome, courageous, and emotionally vulnerable. For a time, even his simple hairstyle became a national trend as fans proudly asked barbers for the “Dharmendra Cut.” The late thespian Dilip Kumar once famously confessed a touch of envy at Dharmendra’s striking looks - a compliment that spoke volumes about his charisma, which could give even the most confident heroines wobbly knees. Born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village near Sahnewal, Punjab, Dharmendra was mesmerised by cinema from an early age. He would excitedly cycle miles to watch the latest film releases in neighbouring towns. His life changed in 1958 when he won Filmfare magazine’s national talent-search contest, rewarding him with his debut role in “Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere” (1960) alongside the legendary Balraj Sahni. He is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, six children, and a large, grieving family, besides millions of teary-eyed fans.
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