Dharmendra

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Dharmendra
Born 8 December 1935 (age 89)
Sahnewal, Punjab, British India
Nationality Indian
Education
Occupation Actor, Film Producer, Politician
Years active 1960–present
Known for Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Chupke Chupke, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Seeta Aur Geeta
Parents Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, Satwant Kaur
Spouse Prakash Kaur (m. 1954), Hema Malini (m. 1980)
Instagram [@aapkadharam Instagram]
Website [N/A Website]


Dharmendra (born 8 December 1935) is a legendary Indian film actor, producer, and politician who has appeared in over 300 films across a career spanning more than six decades. Fondly known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, Dharmendra is regarded as one of the most charismatic and influential figures in Indian cinema.

Born as Dharam Singh Deol in Sahnewal, Punjab (then part of British India), Dharmendra grew up in a modest household where his passion for cinema was kindled at a young age. Inspired by actors like Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand, he nurtured a dream of becoming an actor. After completing his early education, he moved to Mumbai in search of opportunities in the film industry.

Dharmendra made his acting debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. His breakthrough role came in 1966 with Phool Aur Patthar, which established him as a major star and earned him immense popularity. Known for his strong screen presence, effortless dialogue delivery, and emotional depth, Dharmendra became one of the most bankable actors of his time.

Early and Personal Life

Dharmendra, born as Dharam Singh Deol on 8 December 1935 in Sahnewal, a small village near Ludhiana in Punjab, India, grew up in a simple yet disciplined Punjabi household. His father, Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, was a respected school teacher, while his mother, Satwant Kaur, was a deeply spiritual and kind-hearted homemaker. From an early age, Dharmendra displayed a strong sense of curiosity, discipline, and fascination with the world of cinema. He would often walk miles to nearby towns to watch films featuring legends like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor, who became his earliest inspirations.

He completed his intermediate studies at Government Senior Secondary School, Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where he actively participated in cultural activities and sports. Although his family had modest means, they valued education and integrity, principles that Dharmendra carried throughout his life.

In 1954, Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur, with whom he had two sons — Sunny Deol (born 1956) and Bobby Deol (born 1969), both of whom went on to become popular actors in Bollywood. Later, Dharmendra married renowned actress Hema Malini in 1980 after working together in several successful films. The couple has two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, who also made their mark in the film industry.

Despite his fame and fortune, Dharmendra has always identified himself as a farmer at heart. His humility, connection to his Punjabi roots, and down-to-earth personality have made him one of the most respected figures in the Indian film fraternity. He often spends time at his farmhouse, engaging in agricultural activities and maintaining a close relationship with nature.

Health Issues

Over the years, Dharmendra has faced several health challenges, a natural consequence of a long and demanding career in cinema. In his later years, he experienced age-related ailments such as fatigue, joint pain, and occasional hospitalizations. However, his resilient spirit and positive attitude have helped him recover and stay active even into his late eighties.

In interviews, Dharmendra has openly spoken about the physical demands of his earlier roles, especially the intense action sequences that earned him the title of Bollywood’s “He-Man.” Despite the toll on his body, he never relied on body doubles and performed his stunts with authenticity and dedication. He attributes his enduring energy to his disciplined lifestyle, vegetarian diet, and mental peace derived from poetry, reading, and spirituality.

Even as he aged, Dharmendra continued to make appearances at public events, film promotions, and award shows, where his charisma and warmth continued to captivate audiences.


Career

1970–1977: Superstardom

The 1970s marked the era of Dharmendra’s undisputed stardom, where he rose from being a romantic hero to one of Bollywood’s biggest action icons. His performance in “Phool Aur Patthar” (1966) had already made him a household name, but the 1970s truly defined his image as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema.

During this decade, he delivered a string of unforgettable performances in films that showcased his range — from comedy and romance to high-octane action. Some of his most acclaimed works from this period include “Sholay” (1975), “Chupke Chupke” (1975), “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (1973), “Raja Jani” (1972), “Jugnu” (1973), and “Seeta Aur Geeta” (1972).

In “Sholay,” Dharmendra’s portrayal of Veeru — a lovable, brave, and witty outlaw — remains one of the most iconic performances in Indian cinema. His chemistry with co-star Amitabh Bachchan and his on-screen partner Hema Malini became legendary. The film is considered one of the greatest blockbusters in Indian film history.

By the mid-70s, Dharmendra had become a national sensation. His rugged masculinity, emotional depth, and effortless charm made him an audience favorite. Apart from his action roles, he also excelled in comedy under the direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, particularly in Chupke Chupke, which showcased his impeccable timing and natural humor.

1978–1997: Continued Success and Occasional Setbacks

As the 1980s began, Dharmendra continued to enjoy tremendous success, proving his staying power as a leading man. He starred in notable films such as “The Burning Train” (1980), “Ram Balram” (1980), “Aas Paas” (1981), “Rajput” (1982), and “Main Inteqam Loonga” (1982). His action films during this period, like “Hukumat” (1987) and “Loha” (1987), were massive hits and reinforced his tough-guy image.

Dharmendra also expanded his creative horizons by turning producer. Under his banner Vijayta Films, he launched his son Sunny Deol with the romantic hit Betaab (1983), which became one of the biggest blockbusters of the decade. Later, his younger son Bobby Deol made his debut in Barsaat (1995), also produced under the family banner.

Although the 1990s saw changing cinematic trends and the emergence of younger stars, Dharmendra continued to deliver strong performances in films such as Kshatriya (1993) and Lohamandi (1997). Even when a few of his projects underperformed commercially, critics acknowledged his consistent screen presence and his unwavering commitment to his craft.

1998–Present: Shift to Character Roles

In the late 1990s and 2000s, Dharmendra gracefully transitioned into supporting and character roles, demonstrating remarkable adaptability. His performance in “Apne” (2007), where he starred alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, was widely praised for its emotional intensity and authenticity. The film highlighted the bond between a father and his sons, mirroring their real-life relationship.

He later appeared in “Yamla Pagla Deewana” (2011) and its sequels, where his comic timing and nostalgic presence won hearts all over again. His cameos in films like “Johnny Gaddaar” (2007) and “Tell Me O Kkhuda” (2011) further reinforced his versatility.

Dharmendra remains an active figure in the industry, occasionally appearing in interviews and award ceremonies. He has also embraced social media, using platforms like Instagram to connect with fans, share poetry, and express gratitude for his long-standing career. His humility and kindness continue to inspire younger generations of actors and filmmakers.

Frequent Collaborations

Dharmendra’s long career saw numerous collaborations with celebrated filmmakers such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Ramesh Sippy, Nasir Hussain, and Manmohan Desai, among others. His frequent on-screen pairings with leading actresses — especially Hema Malini, Asha Parekh, Meena Kumari, and Sharmila Tagore — created some of the most cherished moments in Indian cinema.

His partnership with Hema Malini, both on and off screen, became legendary. Together, they starred in over 25 films, many of which were commercial successes. Their chemistry, combined with Dharmendra’s intensity and Hema’s grace, contributed significantly to Bollywood’s golden age.

Works in Other Languages

Although Dharmendra is best known for his work in Hindi cinema, he also made significant contributions to Punjabi cinema, appearing in films like Kankan De Ohle (1971) and Do Sher (1974). His roles in regional cinema were marked by authenticity and an emotional connection to Punjabi culture. These performances earned him immense love from audiences across northern India and among the Punjabi diaspora worldwide.

Other works

Dharmendra’s professional contributions extend beyond acting, encompassing politics, television, and film production. His multifaceted career demonstrates his adaptability and enduring commitment to Indian entertainment and public life.

Political career

Dharmendra entered politics in the early 2000s, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from 2004 to 2009. His entry into politics drew widespread attention due to his immense popularity and long-standing connection with the public.

During his campaign for the 2004 general elections, Dharmendra courted controversy after remarking that he should be elected “dictator perpetuo” to teach people the “basic etiquette that democracy requires.” The statement attracted criticism from political circles and the media alike, though his loyal fanbase largely viewed it as a reflection of his straightforward nature rather than political aggression.

While serving as MP, Dharmendra was occasionally criticized for his limited participation in parliamentary proceedings. Reports suggested he often preferred to spend his time at his Lonavala farmhouse or on film sets instead of attending sessions of the House. Despite such criticism, his tenure symbolized the deep trust and affection the people of Bikaner had for him as a cultural and public figure. Dharmendra himself later expressed that politics was not his natural calling, emphasizing that his true passion always lay in cinema and connecting with people through art.

Television

In addition to his film career, Dharmendra has also made notable contributions to Indian television. In 2011, he joined the popular reality show India’s Got Talent on Colors TV, replacing Sajid Khan as one of the judges in the show’s third season. His warm presence and genuine affection for contestants helped the show surpass the viewership ratings of its previous two seasons. Audiences praised his down-to-earth personality, humor, and encouragement of young artists, which added a nostalgic touch to the program.

In 2023, Dharmendra made his debut as a television actor, portraying the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti in the historical drama series Taj: Divided by Blood on ZEE5. His portrayal was highly appreciated for its dignity, spiritual gravitas, and emotional subtlety, proving that his acting prowess continues to shine even in his late 80s. The role marked an important milestone in his evolving career, reaffirming his ability to captivate audiences across generations and platforms.

Producing and presenting films

Dharmendra ventured into film production in 1983 by founding his production company, Vijayta Films. The banner’s maiden project, Betaab (1983), launched his elder son Sunny Deol in the lead role and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The movie’s success established Vijayta Films as a formidable name in Bollywood production.

Building on this momentum, Dharmendra produced the acclaimed action drama Ghayal (1990), also starring Sunny Deol. The film received widespread critical acclaim and emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the decade. It went on to win seven Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, and also bagged the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

In 1995, Dharmendra produced Barsaat, a high-budget romantic drama designed to launch his younger son Bobby Deol alongside debutante Twinkle Khanna. The film became a superhit and was, at the time, the most expensive film ever made with debut actors. Its commercial success further cemented Dharmendra’s reputation as a successful film producer with a keen sense of audience trends.

Earlier in his career, Dharmendra also took on the role of film presenter for several projects, including the socially relevant Satyakam (1969) and the thriller Kab Kyun Aur Kahan (1970). Through his production and presentation ventures, Dharmendra contributed significantly to nurturing new talent and supporting meaningful cinema in India.

Legacy

Dharmendra’s legacy in Indian cinema remains unparalleled. He is widely regarded as one of the most handsome, charismatic, and respected actors in film history. His contribution to the evolution of the Indian action hero archetype has been monumental. In the mid-1970s, he was voted one of the most handsome men in the world, cementing his reputation as an international icon of style and masculinity.

Over the decades, Dharmendra’s work has inspired countless actors, and his family — the Deols — remains one of Bollywood’s most influential dynasties. His natural acting, humility, and dedication have earned him the affection of millions of fans and colleagues alike. Even after more than 60 years in the industry, he continues to be celebrated as a living legend who bridged the golden and modern eras of Indian cinema.

Other Awards and Recognitions

Dharmendra has been honored with numerous national and international awards for his contribution to cinema and humanitarian causes.

  • Special Award for contribution to Indian Cinema at the Kalakar Awards
  • Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Sansui Viewers’ Choice Movie Awards (2003)
  • Award for Best Contribution to Indian Cinema (2004)
  • Zee Cine Lifetime Achievement Award (2005)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Pune International Film Festival (2007)
  • IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
  • Award for Humanitarian Services to the Indian Nation (2007)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award by DBR Entertainment (2007)
  • Honored by Punjabi newspaper Quami Ekta for contributions to Indian cinema (2007)
  • Actor Par Excellence Award, Max Stardust Awards (2008)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, MAMI International Film Festival (2008)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Nashik International Film Festival (2009)
  • Big Star Entertainer for Half Century of Excellence, BIG Star Entertainment Awards (2010)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild (2011)
  • Salaam Maharashtra Award for completing 50 years in cinema (2011)
  • ITA Scroll of Honour, Indian Television Academy Awards (2011)
  • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award, Mumbai (2017)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, State of New Jersey, USA (2020)

References

Explanatory notes

A golden jubilee refers to a film that has completed 50 consecutive weeks of screening in a single theatre, marking exceptional commercial success.

A silver jubilee refers to a film that has completed 25 consecutive weeks of screening in a single theatre, signifying a significant box-office achievement.

Citations

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