Mumbai, Nov 24: Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, aged 89, has passed away, sources close to IANS confirmed the news.

The octogenarian on November 12 had got discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai and was said to be in a stable condition and recovering well at home.

At that time Dr. Rajiv Sharma from the hospital told IANS that the legendary star has gone home “fully satisfied” after receiving the required treatment.

Sharing an update on the actor’s health, he stated, “Dharmendra ji has gone from the hospital with full satisfaction. His family has taken him home. Everything has been arranged for him.”

“He is in a stable condition. I request the public not to spread the false news but instead pray for his recovery so that he can celebrate his next birthday with pride.”

The star was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai and sources close to IANS on November 10 had said that Dharmendra is critical and on life support.

On October 31, the actor, as per sources close to IANS, was kept under strict medical observation by top doctors at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

The superstar would have turned 90 on December 8.

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.

New Delhi, Nov 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on November 25, marking a historic moment in the country’s socio-cultural and spiritual journey.

The visit will begin at around 10 AM, when the Prime Minister will offer prayers at the Saptmandir complex, which includes temples dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. He will then proceed to the Sheshavtar Mandir. Around 11 AM, he will visit Mata Annapurna Mandir, followed by Darshan and Pooja at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and Ram Lalla Garbha Grah.

At noon, Prime Minister Modi will ceremonially hoist a saffron flag atop the Shikhar of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, symbolising the completion of its construction and heralding a new era of cultural resurgence and national unity. He will also address the gathering on this landmark occasion.

The programme coincides with the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, aligning with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami — a day representing divine union. It also marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours in the 17th century, lending further spiritual significance to the occasion.

The right-angled triangular saffron flag — ten feet high and twenty feet long — will feature the radiant Sun symbolizing the courage and brilliance of Bhagwan Shri Ram, an ‘Om’ inscription, and the image of the Kovidara tree. Designed to reflect the ideals of Ram Rajya, it represents dignity, unity, and cultural continuity. The flag will be hoisted on a Shikhar built in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style. Surrounding it is an 800-metre Parkota, a circumambulatory enclosure, designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, showcasing the temple’s fusion of diverse cultural influences.

The temple complex also features 87 intricately carved stone depictions from the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram, based on the Valmiki Ramayana, on the outer walls of the main temple. Additionally, 79 bronze-cast episodes from Indian culture have been placed along the enclosure walls. Together, these elements offer visitors a profound and educational experience, embodying India’s spiritual legacy and the enduring narrative of Shri Ram.

New Delhi, Nov 24: Justice Surya Kant, who has been part of several landmark verdicts, including on abrogation of Article 370 removing Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday.

He succeeds Justice B R Gavai.

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Justice Kant at a brief ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

He took the oath in Hindi in the name of God.

Justice Kant was appointed as the next CJI on October 30 and will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027 on attaining the age of 65 years.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the senior leaders who attended the ceremony.