A revered star of Bollywood, who amassed a $50 million fortune, has passed away just days before his 90th birthday.
Dharmendra Deol, an esteemed Indian actor known as the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema, died in Mumbai at the age of 89 on Monday (November 24).
With a career that spanned six decades and featuring in over 300 films, he rose to great prominence in the Hindi film industry.
Renowned for his good looks, Dharmendra was considered one of the most attractive actors of his era and was among the highest-earning stars of his time.
The actor, known simply as Dharmendra, began his cinematic journey in 1960 with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
He became a household name six years later with Phool Aur Patthar, establishing his presence as a leading man in the industry.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, noting that his passing ‘marks the end of an era in Indian cinema’.
Dharmendra was a multifaceted figure, taking on roles as a film producer and a former politician while building a significant business empire worth millions.
During the 70s and 80s, he was one of the top-paid leading actors, earning substantial fees per film and sharing profits with producers.
For instance, in the 1975 action-comedy Sholay, Dharmendra earned 1.5 lakh rupees, which is more than $195,000 in today’s currency, according to India.com.
He was prudent with his finances, amassing a net worth of 450 crore rupees, which is over $50 million, as reported by Live Mint.
His investments included several properties in Mumbai, one of the most expensive cities in the country.
Among his assets was a sprawling 100-acre farmhouse in Lonavala, a luxury hill station located between Mumbai and Pune.
This property featured lush gardens, water therapy areas, and serene landscaped surroundings.
Dharmendra also ventured into the hospitality industry, establishing restaurants inspired by some of his most memorable film roles.
These enterprises included Garam Dharam Dhaba, a themed restaurant chain modeled after a traditional Punjabi roadside eatery.
He also launched the He-Man Restaurant, paying homage to his well-known Bollywood moniker.
He was also proud of his collection of vehicles, which featured models like the Range Rover Evoque and a Mercedes-Benz SL500.
Despite his considerable wealth, Dharmendra remained modest, sharing in an interview: “I never asked for too much money, and fame is transient. All I ever wanted was people’s love.”
He further expressed: “I came here just for this love. Everyone loves Dharmendra and I am grateful for that.”
Actor Akshay Kumar offered his respects to Dharmendra, stating: “Growing up, Dharmendra was the hero every boy wanted to be.
“Thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread.”