Bollywood star Dharmendra has died in the Indian city of Mumbai at the age of 89.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, saying his passing 'marks the end of an era in Indian cinema'.
Dharmendra, who often described himself as 'a simple man', commanded extraordinary affection and loyalty from his tens of millions of fans.
Best known as Veeru, the lovable petty criminal in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, he appeared in over 300 films, many hits, captivating audiences for decades.
Songs featuring him topped the charts, and his romance and marriage with Hema Malini made headlines.
Dubbed the 'original He-Man of Bollywood' and 'Garam (hot) Dharam', the actor often made it to global lists of 'most handsome men' in his heyday, making him a heartthrob among fans.
Bollywood stars weren't immune to his charms either - over the years actress Madhuri Dixit described him as 'one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen', superstar Salman Khan said Dharmendra was the 'most beautiful looking man' and actress Jaya Bachchan called him 'a Greek God'.
Despite his good looks, Dharmendra expressed embarrassment over the praise, attributing it to 'nature, my parents and my genes'.
Born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village, Punjab, Dharmendra pursued his love for cinema despite initial resistance from his family. His career took off after winning a talent contest, leading to his first role in Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere in 1960.
With more than three decades in Bollywood, he became a household name, earning acclaim for his roles in modern classics.
His marriage to actress Hema Malini also became a key highlight of his life, celebrated through many films that starred the couple together.
In his lifetime, Dharmendra received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to cinema, including the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
His death has left a huge void in the industry, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow actors, who remember him not just as a star, but a beloved icon who touched many hearts.
