
Bollywood legend Dharmendra, often called the “He-Man of Bollywood", has breathed his last at the age of 89. However, an official statement from Dharmendra's family is still awaited. The news comes just weeks ahead of his 90th birthday on December 8.
News of the legendary actor's passing was shared by filmmaker Karan Johar in an Instagram post.
"It is an end of an ERA..... a massive mega star... the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema... incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence ... he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema... defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history ... but mostly he was the best human being... he was so loved by everyone in our industry ....," Karan's Instagram post read.
He only had immense love and positivity for everyone ... his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe ... Today there is a gaping hole in our industry ... a space that can never be filled by anyone ... there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI... we love you kind Sir.... We will miss you so much.... The heavens are blessed today.... It will always be my blessing to have worked with you.... And my heart says with respect, reverence and love.... Abhi Na jao chodke.... Ke dil abhi bhara nahi......," he said.
Dharmendra is not only known for his iconic movies, but also for his illustrious family. Married twice, he is the proud father of six children, including superstar sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur when he was 19 years old. The couple has two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both successful Bollywood stars, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta.
Sunny Deol, the eldest son, is one of Bollywood’s biggest action heroes. Known for his films such as Gadar and Border, Sunny Deol has acted in over 100 movies. He is married to Lynda “Pooja” Deol, and the couple has two sons, Karan and Rajveer, who have both entered the film industry.
Bobby Deol, Dharmendra’s younger son, also carved a successful career with hits like Gupt and Soldier. Recently, he made a strong comeback with Animal. Bobby married Tanya Ahuja Deol, a businesswoman and designer, in 1996. They have two sons, Aryaman and Dharam.
Vijeta Deol, Dharmendra and Prakash’s second daughter, lives in New Delhi. She is an entrepreneur and serves as the director of Rajkamal Holdings and Trading Private Limited. Vijeta is married to Vivek Gill, a businessman, and they have two children – Prerna Gill, a writer and editor, and Sahil Gill.
Ajeeta, the youngest from Dharmendra’s first marriage, prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight. She is married and settled in California. Ajeeta has two daughters – Nikita Chaudhri and Priyanka Chaudhri, both practising dentists, with Priyanka also working as a cosmetologist.
After moving to Mumbai and establishing his acting career, Dharmendra married actress Hema Malini in 1980. The marriage drew attention at the time but has endured for over four decades. The couple has two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Esha Deol, born in 1981, followed in her parents’ footsteps and became an actress. She made her debut in the early 2000s and starred in films like Dhoom and Na Tum Jaano Na Hum. Esha married businessman Bharat Takhtani, and they have two daughters, Radhya and Miraya. The couple announced their divorce in February 2024.
Ahana Deol, the younger daughter, is married to Vaibhav Vohra, a Delhi-based businessman. The couple has three children – twin daughters and a son. Ahana, like her mother, is also a trained dancer and keeps a low profile away from the film industry.
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