Indian cinema lost one of its brightest icons as Dharmendra, the beloved legend of films like Satyakam and Sholay, died in Mumbai at 89. His passing closes a chapter of unmatched stardom and warmth that defined six decades of Hindi cinema. As tributes pour in, an old revelation from his son Sunny Deol has resurfaced, offering a rare look at why the superstar walked away from politics despite his massive popularity.
Dharmendra, whose 65-year journey across 300 films made him one of the most adored names in Indian cinema, died in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89, police said. The actor had been unwell for some time and was frequently admitted to a Mumbai hospital before the family decided to continue his treatment at home earlier this month. He would have turned 90 on December 8.
Sunny Deol reveals why Dharmendra quit politics
After completing his Lok Sabha term in 2009, Dharmendra chose not to contest again. Sunny Deol later shared that his father disliked the political world and regretted entering it. Dharmendra had once said he did the work while others took the credit, suggesting that politics did not suit his nature.
Even though he stepped away, the family continued its political presence. His wife, Hema Malini, went on to become a three-time MP from Mathura, and Sunny Deol himself served one term from Gurdaspur before retiring. Dharmendra’s political chapter remained brief but memorable alongside his towering film career.
Dharmendra’s political journey
His entry into politics began in 2004, inspired by the BJP’s Swing India campaign. Meetings with leaders Lal Krishna Advani and Shatrughan Sinha led to his candidature from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Contesting on a BJP ticket, he won the seat by nearly 60,000 votes against Congress candidate Rameshwar Lal Dudi.
Despite his immense popularity, his political stint wasn’t without criticism. Reports highlighted low public engagement and limited attendance in Parliament, with much of his time spent shooting or at his farmhouse. Supporters, however, insisted he worked sincerely behind the scenes.
Kajol’s heartfelt tribute
Actress Kajol shared an emotional message on Instagram, calling Dharmendra’s death a loss that made the world poorer. She posted a picture of him sitting beside her son Yug, smiling warmly with his arm around the young boy. She described him as kind to the core and loved always.
Dharmendra, who passed away in Mumbai, will be seen posthumously in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The actor began his career in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and continued entertaining audiences for decades, most recently appearing in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
Dharmendra, whose 65-year journey across 300 films made him one of the most adored names in Indian cinema, died in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89, police said. The actor had been unwell for some time and was frequently admitted to a Mumbai hospital before the family decided to continue his treatment at home earlier this month. He would have turned 90 on December 8.
Sunny Deol reveals why Dharmendra quit politics
After completing his Lok Sabha term in 2009, Dharmendra chose not to contest again. Sunny Deol later shared that his father disliked the political world and regretted entering it. Dharmendra had once said he did the work while others took the credit, suggesting that politics did not suit his nature.
Even though he stepped away, the family continued its political presence. His wife, Hema Malini, went on to become a three-time MP from Mathura, and Sunny Deol himself served one term from Gurdaspur before retiring. Dharmendra’s political chapter remained brief but memorable alongside his towering film career.
Dharmendra’s political journey
His entry into politics began in 2004, inspired by the BJP’s Swing India campaign. Meetings with leaders Lal Krishna Advani and Shatrughan Sinha led to his candidature from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Contesting on a BJP ticket, he won the seat by nearly 60,000 votes against Congress candidate Rameshwar Lal Dudi.
Despite his immense popularity, his political stint wasn’t without criticism. Reports highlighted low public engagement and limited attendance in Parliament, with much of his time spent shooting or at his farmhouse. Supporters, however, insisted he worked sincerely behind the scenes.
Kajol’s heartfelt tribute
Actress Kajol shared an emotional message on Instagram, calling Dharmendra’s death a loss that made the world poorer. She posted a picture of him sitting beside her son Yug, smiling warmly with his arm around the young boy. She described him as kind to the core and loved always.
Dharmendra, who passed away in Mumbai, will be seen posthumously in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The actor began his career in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and continued entertaining audiences for decades, most recently appearing in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.
