Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, aged 89, has passed away after prolonged illness, according to IANS.

An ambulance was seen arriving at veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra’s residence on Monday afternoon amid tight security, sparking fresh concern about his health.

The 89-year-old actor had been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital only a few days earlier. His doctor had stated that Dharmendra would continue his treatment at home under family supervision, but Monday’s development suggests a possible deterioration in his condition.

On October 31, the actor, was kept under strict medical observation by top doctors at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

The superstar would have turned 90 on December 8.

Film director Karan Johar paid tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra on Instagram, writing: “It is the end of an era… a massive megastar, the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema. Incredibly handsome, with the most enigmatic screen presence. He is and will always remain a bona fide legend of Indian cinema—defining, enduring, and forever etched in the pages of film history.”

Actors Aamir, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were seen arriving at the Vile Parle Crematorium in Mumbai, even as an official statement on veteran actor Dharmendra’s health remains awaited. Hema Malini and Esha Deol were also spotted by the media on Monday afternoon outside the crematorium.

On the professional front, Dharmendra was last seen in the movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya in 2024. The movie starred actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The actor is set to star next in the movie 'Ikkis', directed by ace director Sriram Raghavan.

The movie stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. The movie is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient.

The film also features Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in important roles and is slated to release in December.

Dharmendra, who is widely considered one of the greatest, most handsome, and most commercially successful film stars in the history of Indian cinema, had a cinematic career spanning over six decades; he has worked in more than 300 films.

Dharmendra holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.

He first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke.

He starred in several successful Hindi films from the late-1960s to the 1980s, such as Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Elaan-E-Jung, Tahalka, Anpadh, Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Mamta, Majhli Didi, Satyakam, Naya Zamana, Samadhi, Resham Ki Dori, Chupke Chupke, Dillagi, The Burning Train, Ghazab, Do Dishayen and Hathyar.

In the late 1990s, he appeared in character roles in several successful and acclaimed films, such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a... Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

--IANS