The world of Indian cinema has lost one of its most iconic figures. Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, the man lovingly called Bollywood’s “He-Man”, passed away today at the age of 89.

For over six decades, Dharmendra was not just a star on the silver screen. He was an embodiment of strength, and of charm. His presence made the audiences cry and laugh in equal measure. His journey from a small village in Punjab to the grand-glitzy sets of Bombay remains one of cinema’s most inspiring stories.

Born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra was the son of Kewal Krishan and Satwant Kaur. The family had deep roots in the values of hard work and tradition. He spent his early years in Sahnewal and studied in Ludhiana where his father was a school headmaster.

Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur at the age of 19.This was long before he became a household name. The couple had two sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol who would follow in their father’s footsteps, and two daughters Vijeta and Ajeeta.

Later, after moving to Bombay and breaking into films, he married the legendary Hema Malini. Together they had two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

He made his film debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’. Then later came films like ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’, ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Haqqeeqat’ and more that pulled him into the limelight. It was the late 1960s and 1970s that truly witnessed him rise to superstardom. He featured in thrillers like ‘Ankhen’ to romantic dramas like ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’.

By the mid-1970s, Dharmendra had become a household name in true sense.He starred in some of Bollywood’s most iconic films. And they included ‘Sholay’, ‘Jeevan Mrityu’, ‘Jugnu’, ‘Pratiggya’. ‘Sholay’ in particular went on to become a cultural phenomenon.