Farewell to a Legend: Mauritius Pays Tribute to Dharmendra, the Bollywood 'He-Man'

The Indian film industry is in mourning. Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 on Monday, November 24. Fans from Mauritius of all backgrounds are sharing their memories of his illustrious career, filled with cherished encounters and nostalgia for the cinema.

"The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in tribute to the legendary actor. The Bollywood icon, whose full name was Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, died at his home in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, just two weeks shy of his 90th birthday (December 8, 1935). He reportedly succumbed to heart problems after a period of illness.

The actor had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31, 2025, for respiratory issues. Although he was discharged on November 12 to continue his recovery at home, his health took a critical turn. His funeral was held later that day at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai.

His death marks the end of a monumental career. The veteran actor, known as the legendary "He-Man of Bollywood," left a mark on over six decades of history. From "Phool Aur Patthar" to "Sholay" and "Satyakam," his journey was one of courage and grace. Despite his passing, fans will have one last chance to see him on the big screen in the war film "Ikkis," directed by Sriram Raghavan, set to release on December 25, 2025. The actor portrays Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal, the father of young soldier Arun Khetarpal, recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The producers summarized his legacy with a poignant tribute: "Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations." This performance will serve as a posthumous farewell to his audience.

A Career of Over 300 Films

The veteran actor, renowned as the legendary "He-Man of Bollywood," has stamped over six decades of history, defining heroism, love, and humility in Indian cinema. His career includes more than 300 films, making him one of the most enduring figures in the industry.

Born in the village of Sahnewal, Punjab, he often recalled his humble beginnings, making his debut in "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" (1960) after winning a talent competition. "I was just a boy from the land who wanted to see himself on screen," he once said, emphasizing a humility that never left him.

Dharmendra transitioned from romantic hero to action star, a versatility that secured his generational success. Following his debut, critical recognition quickly followed with sensitive films like "Bandini" (1963) and "Anupama" (1966), where he played an introspective writer. He then became the first true action hero of Hindi cinema, a status cemented by the success of "Phool Aur Patthar" (1966), which earned him the nickname "He-Man."

From Poetry to the Fields of Lonavala

However, he never allowed himself to be confined to that label: he proved his depth in the social drama "Satyakam" (1969)—a role many critics consider his finest performance—and excelled in comedy, particularly in the cult classic "Chupke Chupke" (1975). His most iconic role remains that of Veeru in the must-see "Sholay" (1975), a curry-western that immortalized his image as a loyal friend and passionate lover.

Beneath his athletic physique lay a man of rare sensitivity. Off-screen, Dharmendra had a deep love for poetry (shayari) and rejuvenated himself in the quiet of his Lonavala farm. He frequently shared videos of himself driving his tractor or tending to his crops, advocating for a simple life, in stark contrast to the glamour of Bollywood. He also briefly ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Bikaner, Rajasthan, from 2004 to 2009.

His private life was the subject of public attention: his romance and marriage in 1980 to actress Hema Malini, the Dream Girl of Indian cinema, became one of Bollywood's most famous sagas. He is mourned by his two wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol (who followed in his cinematic footsteps), and his daughters Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Vijeta, and Ajeeta.