Dharmendra, the iconic Bollywood actor known as the "He-Man of Indian Cinema," passed away on Monday at the age of 89, days before he would have turned 90, media reports said.

The veteran actor, who had been battling age-related health issues, breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai.

Rumours about his health had been rife since Monday morning when an ambulance with tight security arrived at his Juhu residence.

This was the actor's second health scare in a month. Esha Deol and Hema Malini were seen at the Pawan Hans crematorium amid heightened security.

There has been no official statement from the family, and further updates are awaited.

Fresh concerns also arose earlier in the afternoon when an ambulance was seen leaving the actor's residence around 12:30 pm, prompting widespread anxiety among fans and members of the film fraternity.

Several celebrities were spotted arriving at the 89-year-old actor's home soon afterward. Increased security was also noted at both his residence and the Pawan Hans crematorium, intensifying speculation about the seriousness of the development.

Daughter Esha Deol and son Sunny Deol were seen entering the residence, appearing visibly distressed.

Dharmendra had been discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on November 12 following a brief but serious hospitalisation, during which he required ventilator support. He had been admitted on November 10 with acute respiratory complications linked to his advanced age.

At the time of his discharge, the family had requested privacy and urged the media and public not to speculate about his health.

Today's developments comes just two weeks after the Deol family was compelled to publicly deny widespread false reports of the actor's death. On November 11, rumours on social media spread so extensively that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and poet Javed Akhtar posted condolences before the claims were debunked.

Hema Malini and Esha Deol criticised the circulation of misinformation, calling it irresponsible and deeply distressing.

Dharmendra, affectionately known as Bollywood's "He-Man," has been battling several health issues this month, including a corneal transplant earlier in November after damage to his left eye. The legendary actor was set to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8.

Dharmendra's career spanned over six decades, with more than 300 films to his credit. He was a versatile actor who effortlessly transitioned between romantic, action, and comedy roles, winning hearts with his charming personality and powerful screen presence.

Born on December 8, 1935, in Sahnewal, Punjab, Dharmendra began his acting journey in 1960 with the film 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere'. He went on to become one of Bollywood's most beloved stars, starring in iconic films like 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Phool Aur Patthar', and 'Seeta Aur Geeta'.

Dharmendra's contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 2012. He was also a recipient of the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing away of the Bollywood star of the 1960s and 1970s and described him as “an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.”

“The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said in a post on handle X.