Dharmendra

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol (born 8 December 1935), known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer, and politician who is primarily known for his work in Hindi films. Dharmendra is widely considered one of the greatest, most handsome and commercially successful film stars in the history of Indian cinema.<ref>* Dharmendra's TOI Archives - 100 Years of Indian Cinema. The Times of India. 20 May 2013. Archived from the original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025

* When Dharmendra was compared to a Hollywood star who he didn't recognise: 'Uski picture hi nahi dekhi thi'. Hindustan Times. 23 January 2022. Archived from the original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025

• Dharmendra most handsome actor in Bollywood: Arjun Rampal. The Indian Express. 16 June 2015. Archived from original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025

• Madhuri Dixit: Dharmendra the most handsome person. NDTV. 28 May 2013. Archived from original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025

• Salman Khan calls Dharmendra ‘the most beautiful looking man’. The Indian Express. 16 November 2021. Archived from original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025</ref> In a career spanning 65 years, he has worked in over 300 films and holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web “Even though this star had more hits than Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, he was never called a ‘superstar’ for a rather academic reason. Dharmendra has the distinction of delivering the most hits as an actor in the Hindi film industry. The actor has a record 74 hits to his name in films where he was either the lead or had a substantial role. Dharmendra has appeared in over 240 films. Of these, 94 have been successful (recovering their investments), and 74 have had the distinction of being called hits. This includes 7 blockbusters, and 13 super hits, notably Sholay, the all-time highest-grosser of Indian cinema.”</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> He first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films, such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar and Aaye Din Bahar Ke, and achieved greater stardom in later years, being dubbed India's "He-Man" for several of his on-screen roles in Hindi films.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He consistently 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 and Tahalka,<ref name="Rewinds">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="auto"/> as well as some of his acclaimed performances, include 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Beginning 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="CNN-IBN">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Bollywood. He was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).<ref name="Padma Awards">Template:Cite web</ref>

Dharmendra is married to Prakash Kaur and actress Hema Malini.

Early and personal life

File:Dharmendra with father.jpg

Dharmendra with his father

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol<ref name="Affidavit">Template:Cite web</ref> was born in Nasrali, a village in Ludhiana district, Punjab, British India on 8 December 1935. He is the son of Kewal Krishan<ref name="Affidavit"/> and Satwant Kaur,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and was born into a Punjabi Jat family.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="farm">Template:Cite news</ref> His ancestral village is Dangon, near Pakhowal Tehsil Raikot, Ludhiana.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="farm"/>

He spent his early life in the village of Sahnewal and studied at Government Senior Secondary School at Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where his father is the village school headmaster.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He did his matriculation in Phagwara in 1952.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In those days, schools of Punjab came under Panjab University, Chandigarh.

File:Bobby Deol Dharmendra Sunny Deol still10.jpg

Dharmendra with his sons, Bobby (on left), Sunny Deol (right hand side)

Dharmendra's first marriage is to Prakash Kaur at the age of 19 in 1954, before he entered film industry.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He had two sons from this marriage, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both successful film actors; and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta.

After moving to Bombay and entering films, Dharmendra married Hema Malini, which caused controversy at the time since he is already married. Rumours began to circulate about Dharmendra and Hema Malini converting to Islam for this marriage.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="converted">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2004, during a political campaign, when the rumours began to circulate again, Dharmendra asserted that he remained a Hindu,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the family being Arya Samaji.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He and Malini starred together in a number of movies in the early 1970s, including Sholay.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The couple has two daughters, Esha Deol (an actress, born in 1981) and Ahana Deol (an assistant director, born in 1985). His grandson, Bobby Deol's son, is also named "Dharam", after him.<ref name="grand1">Template:Cite news</ref>

Dharmendra has a farmhouse in Lonavala, where he now generally resides. His family resides in Juhu, Mumbai.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2023, Dharmendra expressed that Bollywood neglected his family and never appreciated Deol family's contribution to Indian cinema.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Career

1960–1969: Early career and rise to prominence

Dharmendra is the winner of Filmfare magazine's nationally organised new talent award and went to Mumbai from Punjab to work in the movie. However, it was never made. He later made his film debut in 1960 with Arjun Hingorani's romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.<ref name="Express2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The film largely went unnoticed and as a result, did not perform that well at the box office.<ref name="Rewinds"/> He saw his first commercial success in 1961 with Ramesh Saigal's Shola Aur Shabnam and followed it with hits, such as Mohan Kumar's Anpadh (1962) and Bimal Roy's Bandini (1963), which won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="BOI">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

His breakthrough came in 1964 when he co-starred alongside Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu in another of Mohan Kumar's directional venture Ayee Milan Ki Bela.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It went on to become a superhit and despite playing the antagonist, Dharmendra was noticed by audience and received a nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="filmfare">Template:Cite web</ref> That same year, he played the lead role in Chetan Anand's war-drama Haqeeqat.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Based on the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the film proved to be a major critical and commercial success, eventually emerging a superhit with one of its song "Kar Chale Ham Fida", a solo by Mohammed Rafi becoming hugely popular among the masses.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1965, he had another major success in Ram Maheshwari's romantic drama Kaajal.<ref name="Boxoffice">Template:Cite web</ref> The film also had Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar and Padmini in the lead.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1966, Dharmendra reunited with Kumari for O. P. Ralhan's Phool Aur Patthar. The film topped the box office chart in 1966, becoming a major blockbuster and making him a saleable star.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Top Actors">Template:Cite web</ref> He received his first nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Actor category for the film.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The success of Phool Aur Patthar was followed by hits in Mamta, Devar, Anupama and Aaye Din Bahar Ke, the same year.<ref name="auto1">Template:Cite web</ref> He was also given a souvenir at the 14th National Film Awards in recognition of his performance in Anupama.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The next year, he worked in commercially unsuccessful, but critically acclaimed films like - Dulhan Ek Raat Ki opposite Nutan and Majhli Didi, Chandan Ka Palna, both opposite Kumari.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Dharmendra hit the big league in 1968 with Atma Ram's mystery thriller Shikar and Ramanand Sagar's spy thriller Ankhen.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Both the films opened to positive audience response and proved to be blockbusters at the box office with the latter being the top–earning film that year.<ref name="Rewinds"/> His other commercially successful releases of 1968 were – T. Prakash Rao's drama film Izzat (in which he played a double role) and Amar Kumar's romantic drama Mere Hamdam Mere Dost.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The following year, saw the emergence of superstar Rajesh Khanna, who stormed the nation with back-to-back blockbusters in Aradhana and Do Raaste.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> With his rise, a number of stars went through career decline.<ref name="froma">Template:Cite web</ref> During this phase, Dharmendra and Dev Anand were the only actors who remained unaffected by Khanna's popularity.<ref name="froma"/> In 1969, he had a superhit in Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, followed by three more successful films, which were - Yakeen, Pyar Hi Pyar and Aadmi Aur Insaan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dharmendra also received immense acclaim for his portrayal of a righteous man in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's social drama film Satyakam, which is widely considered to be his career-best performance by fans as well as critics and went on to win National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

1970–1977: Superstardom

In 1970, Dharmendra delivered four major successes and formed a hit pair with Hema Malini.<ref name="Express2"/> His first release was Satyen Bose's crime drama Jeevan Mrityu. An adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's novel The Count of Monte Cristo, it proved to be major critical and commercial success, eventually emerging a blockbuster and one of the top earners of 1970.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His next two films, Bhappi Sonie's Tum Haseen Main Jawan and Asit Sen's Sharafat, both opposite Malini proved to be superhits at the box office.<ref name="auto1"/> This was followed by a flop in Ishq Par Zor Nahin alongside Sadhana and a hit in Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan? with Babita.<ref name="auto1"/> His final release of that year was Raj Kapoor's magnum opus Mera Naam Joker (in which he played a supporting role). Although the film was a disaster at the time of release, it attained cult status in later years, with many critics hailing it as one of the best Indian films of all time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 1971, Dharmendra starred in Raj Khosla's action drama Mera Gaon Mera Desh.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The film went on to become an All Time Blockbuster and established his image of an action hero.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The large success of this film also made the industry shift from romantic to action films.<ref name="Rewinds"/> Dharmendra received his second nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Actor category for his performance in Mera Gaon Mera Desh.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> His success continued in the following year with another massive blockbuster in Seeta Aur Geeta, a superhit in Raja Jani and a hit film, Samadhi to go with the major grossers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The mass hysteria created by Mera Gaon Mera Desh in 1971, followed by back-to-back hits with Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani and Samadhi in 1972 took Dharmendra to number one position among his contemporaries, thus making him a "superstar".<ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref name="Top Actors" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

1973 was the best year of Dharmendra's career with many successes.<ref name="Rewinds"/> His first release, which was A. Bhimsingh's action crime film Loafer, emerged a superhit with its songs, including "Aaj Mausam Bada Be-Imaan", "Main Tere Ishq Mein", "Koi Shehri Babu" becoming immensely popular among the masses and making its soundtrack one of the best-selling Hindi film albums of the 1970s.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was followed by mystery thriller Jheel Ke Us Paar and action drama Jugnu. While Jheel Ke Us Paar was a hit, the latter proved to be a blockbuster in India as well as Soviet Union, eventually taking second spot at the box office in 1973.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Owing to its huge success, Jugnu was also remade in Tamil and Telugu as Guru (1980).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His next two releases were - Ravikant Nagaich's spy thriller Keemat and Adurthi Subba Rao's light-hearted drama film Jwaar Bhata.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Both the films received critical acclaim and emerged moderately successful.<ref name="Rewinds"/> Towards the end of the year, Dharmendra appeared in Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Blackmail and Kahani Kismat Ki. Yaadon Ki Baaraat, directed by Nasir Hussain and written by Salim-Javed is widely identified as the first masala film of Indian cinema and proved to be another blockbuster for the actor as well as the second best-selling Bollywood album of the 1970s.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Rewinds"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the other hand, Vijay Anand's romantic thriller Blackmail was an unsuccessful venture critically and commercially, but reception later improved, with many calling it one of Anand's most underrated works.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The song "Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas" filmed on Dharmendra and Raakhee was a chartbuster and remains popular in modern culture.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His final release of the year, Arjun Hingorani's actioner Kahani Kismat Ki continued his dream run and emerged a superhit at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The following year, Dharmendra added one more blockbuster in his kitty with Dulal Guha's social drama Dost co-starring Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini.<ref name="boxofficeindia.com">Template:Cite web</ref> The huge box office success of Dost was followed by moderate successes in Patthar Aur Payal and Resham Ki Dori. For his performance in the latter, Dharmendra received his fourth and final nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Actor category.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

The 1975 Emergency had angered the public, and this helped films featuring the lead character revolting against corruption and establishment become successes. The shift from romantic and social movies to action-oriented multi-starrers changed the box office. The year saw the rise of another superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, but Dharmendra remained rock-steady and continued to deliver huge hits.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1975, Dharmendra appeared alongside Bachchan in two films. The first was Mukherjee's light-hearted comedy Chupke Chupke.<ref name="GulzarNihalani2003">Template:Cite book</ref> It received positive response from critics and went on to become a hit at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The second was Ramesh Sippy's actioner Sholay.Template:Sfn It released on 15 August 1975, Indian Independence Day, in Bombay. Due to lackluster reviews and a lack of effective visual marketing tools, it saw poor financial returns in its first two weeks. However, from the third week onward, viewership picked up owing to positive word of mouth.Template:Sfn During the initial slow period, the director and writer considered re-shooting some scenes so that Amitabh Bachchan's character would not die. When business picked up, they abandoned this idea.Template:Sfn After additionally releasing a soundtrack containing dialogue snippets,Template:Sfn Sholay soon became an "overnight sensation".<ref name="ndtv">Template:Cite web</ref> The film was then released in other distribution zones such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Hyderabad on 11 October 1975.Template:Sfn It became the highest-grossing Hindi-language film of 1975, and film ranking website Box Office India has given the film a verdict of All Time Blockbuster.<ref name="boxofficeindia.com"/> Sholay went on to earn a still-standing record of 60 golden jubileesTemplate:Efn across India,<ref name="ndtv" /> and was the first film in India to celebrate a silver jubileeTemplate:Efn at over 100 theatres.<ref name="ndtv" /> It was shown continuously at Bombay's Minerva Theatre for over five years and in Kolkata's Jyoti Cinema for almost two years.<ref name="nyt">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sholay was the Indian film with the longest theatrical run until Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) broke its record of 286 weeks in 2001.Template:Sfn<ref name="telegraph">Template:Cite news</ref>

File:Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra in 2016.jpg

Dharmendra and Bachchan starrer Sholay (1975) recorded an estimated Template:INR15-18 crore footfalls, making it the highest grossing Indian film in terms of audience attendance to date.

Before the end of year, he delivered another huge success in Pratiggya.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The film along with its strong action scenes also had a significant comic track in the form of "slapstick" comedy which led to it being referred as a "masterpiece in comedy".<ref name="Raj2009">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="IndiaPerspectives">Template:Cite book</ref> In 1976, Dharmendra reunited with Ramanand Sagar for the action thriller Charas. Set against the backdrop of the expulsion of Indian community from Uganda by its dictator Idi Amin in 1972, it opened to bumper response all over the nation and emerged a superhit at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His other release of the year, M. A. Thirumugam's family drama film Maa was thrashed by critics, but still went on to become a success.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The year 1977 proved to be a big one for Dharmendra with an All Time Blockbuster in Manmohan Desai's action drama Dharam Veer, a superhit in another of Desai's masala film Chacha Bhatija, followed by two more successful films in Arjun Hingorani's mystery thriller Khel Khilari Ka and Pramod Chakravorty's action comedy Dream Girl.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the United Kingdom, Dharam Veer had 23 shows in 5 cities. Driven by the success of Rafi's songs, the film took a record initial of £50,000 in the UK, equivalent to Template:INRConvert.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In addition, the film sold 32 million tickets in the Soviet Union.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

1978–1997: Continued success and occasional setbacks

Post-1977, the quality of Dharmendra's films dropped and so the number of huge grossers, but his initial draw remained intact, owing to which the flow of successes continued till the 1990s.<ref name="Rewinds"/> In 1978, he had four major releases which included Shalimar, Azaad, Dillagi and Phandebaaz. Out of these, Shalimar and Phandebaaz were critical and commercial failures while Azaad and Dillagi, both co-starring Malini emerged successful, especially the former which was a superhit as well as fourth highest-grossing film of the year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, he added one more superhit in his kitty with Mohan Sehgal's Kartavya and a successful film with Dulal Guha's Dil Kaa Heera.<ref name=TG1979>Template:Cite web</ref>

Dharmendra began the 1980s with Ravi Chopra's big-budget action thriller The Burning Train.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The film co-starring Jeetendra, Vinod Khanna, Hema Malini and Parveen Babi didn't live up to the expectations and ended up as an average fare, however gained cult status in later years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His next two releases were - Alibaba Aur 40 Chor and Ram Balram. While the former was a moderate success, the latter in which he reunited with Bachchan proved to be a box office hit.<ref name=FI1980>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1981, he had a superhit in Kaatilon Ke Kaatil, but other releases, such as Aas Paas and Krodhi failed to leave a mark while Brij Sadanah's big-budget actioner Professor Pyarelal ended up as an average grosser.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This changed in 1982 as five of his films emerged commercial successes, these were - Rajput, Badle Ki Aag, Ghazab, Baghavat and Samraat.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1983, Dharmendra delivered a hit in Rajkumar Kohli's comedy film Naukar Biwi Ka, followed by another success, Qayamat, but his most anticipated film of that year, Kamal Amrohi's period biographical film Razia Sultan was a box office disaster.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next year, he had seven releases, out of which Baazi, Jagir, Jeene Nahi Doonga and Dharm Aur Qanoon did reasonable business, but rest were critical and commercial failures.<ref name="FI1984">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1985, Dharmendra starred in J. P. Dutta's action drama film Ghulami which also had Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah, Reena Roy and Smita Patil in the lead. The film opened to positive reviews from critics and emerged a superhit as well as one of the top five highest-earners of that year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its song, "Zeehale Muskin Makun ba-Ranjish", sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Shabbir Kumar was a chartbuster and was featured in the year-end annual list of Binaca Geetmala.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, he had another commercial success with Ambrish Sangal's Begaana (1986), co-starring Kumar Gaurav and Rati Agnihotri.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Dharmendra returned to the big league in 1987 by delivering eight successful films in the year. His first two releases were - Rajkumar Kohli's and Raj N. Sippy's actioners Insaniyat Ke Dushman and Loha, respectively, both of which proved to be box office hits.<ref name=TG1987>Template:Cite web</ref> He then appeared in Dadagiri, Hukumat and Aag Hi Aag.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> While Dadagiri was an average fare, the latter two went on to become superhits with Hukumat emerging as the highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name=TG1987/> This was followed by T. Rama Rao's hit venture Watan Ke Rakhwale and two more successful films, Insaaf Kaun Karega with Rajinikanth and Insaf Ki Pukar, co-starring Jeetendra.<ref name=TG1987/> His other huge hits of the decade, include Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988) and Elaan-E-Jung (1989).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="auto">Template:Cite web</ref>

With the advent of the 1990s, Dharmendra's star power began to wane. From 1990 to 1992, his successful films included Naakabandi (1990), Veeru Dada (1990), Humse Na Takrana (1990), Kohraam (1991) and Tahalka (1992), which also proved to be his final hit as a lead actor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="auto"/> In 1993, he appeared in J. P. Dutta's ensemble action film Kshatriya co-starring Sunil Dutt, Vinod Khanna, Rakhee Gulzar, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Seshadri, Raveena Tandon and Divya Bharti.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Kshatriya took a record opening, but collections dropped after it was pulled from theatres owing to Dutt's involvement in the 1993 Bombay bombings and it ended up as a flop.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the mid-1990s, he delivered average fares in Policewala Gunda (1995) and Mafia (1996), but his other releases, including biggies, such as Maidan-E-Jung (1995) and Return of Jewel Thief (1996) proved to be box office failures.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In a 2016 feature in The Hindu, film critic Vijay Lokapally noted that Dharmendra’s shift in the late 1980s toward low-budget action cinema echoed the career path of wrestler-actor Dara Singh, who had once dominated India’s working-class entertainment circuit. He observed that as mainstream Hindi cinema became dominated by younger stars such as the "Khan trio" and Akshay Kumar, Dharmendra deliberately targeted a different audience, comprising labourers, small-town viewers, and long-time fans of traditional action heroes, by appearing in quickly produced, low-cost action films screened largely in single theatres across India’s B- and C-circuits. While initially dismissed by the press and some of his admirers as a decline into "B-grade" filmmaking, he argued that Dharmendra’s strategy was in fact pragmatic: these films were economically viable, shot within a month, and sustained his connection with a loyal audience base that valued old-style heroism over the romantic trends of the multiplex era.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, his image as a leading man was affected by his decision to act in a number of low-budget or "B-grade" productions, as evidenced by the fact that despite his blockbusters (6), super-hits (7) and hits (36) he also holds a record number of flop films, estimated at around 180 titles released between 1960 and 2013, most of those occurring during his "B-grade" phase.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1997, Dharmendra received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. While accepting the award from Dilip Kumar and his wife Saira Banu, he became emotional and remarked that he had never won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor despite having worked in so many successful films and nearly a hundred popular films.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Speaking on this occasion Dilip Kumar commented, "Whenever I get to meet with God Almighty, I will set before him my only complaint – why did you not make me as handsome as Dharmendra?".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

1998–present: Shift to character roles

Since the late-1990s, Dharmendra has appeared in character roles. His first film in such a role was Sohail Khan's romantic comedy Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), co-starring Salman Khan, Kajol and Arbaaz Khan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The film received positive reviews from critics and became a superhit at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

His first two major releases of the new decade were Kaise Kahoon Ke... Pyaar Hai (2003) and Kis Kis Ki Kismat (2004), both of which were box office failures.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After this, Dharmendra went on a hiatus for a brief period and returned with three films in 2007. These were - Anurag Basu's drama film Life in a... Metro, Anil Sharma's sports drama Apne and Sriram Raghavan's neo-noir thriller Johnny Gaddaar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both, Life in a... Metro and Apne proved to be critical and commercial successes.<ref name="Life In A Metro - Movie">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="boxofficeindia.com-Apne">Template:Cite web</ref> On the other hand, Johnny Gaddaar, despite failing at the box office, received praise from critics and attained cult status in later years.<ref name="CNN-IBN"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The same year, he made a guest appearance in the song "Deewangi Deewangi" from Farah Khan's blockbuster reincarnation drama Om Shanti Om.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2011, Dharmendra starred in Yamla Pagla Deewana and Tell Me O Kkhuda.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> While the latter was a commercial disaster, Yamla Pagla Deewana performed very well and emerged a box office hit.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He then appeared in sequels to Yamla Pagla Deewana, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013) and Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se (2018), but unlike the first film, both the sequels received poor audience response.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2023, he appeared in Karan Johar's ensemble family drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film opened to a polarising response from reviewers, but grossed over Template:INRConvert worldwide and proved to be a hit as well as the tenth highest-grossing Indian film of the year.<ref name="Box Office India">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="boxoffww">Template:Cite web</ref> At the 71st National Awards, it won National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, Dharmendra co-starred alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in the romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, but still did a lifetime business of Template:INRConvert worldwide to emerge a commercial success.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

He is next set to appear in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis (2025), based on the life of Arun Khetarpal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Frequent collaborations

Dharmendra's most successful pairing was with Hema Malini, whom he later married.<ref name="Express2"/> The couple performed together in many films including Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, Sharafat, Naya Zamana, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Dost, Patthar Aur Payal, Sholay, Charas, Maa, Chacha Bhatija and Azaad.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

He has worked with various directors, each with a different style of filmmaking.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His longest collaboration was with director Arjun Hingorani from 1960 to 1991. Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere was the debut film of Dharmendra as an actor and Arjun's first directorial venture with Dharmendra as the lead hero.<ref name="TOI1">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name= "Joshi">Template:Cite book</ref> They worked together in Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan?, Kahani Kismat Ki, Khel Khilari Ka, Katilon Ke Kaatil and Kaun Kare Kurbanie where Arjun Hingorani was the producer and the director, and Sultanat and Karishma Kudrat Kaa, produced by Arjun Hingorani. He worked with director Pramod Chakravorty in Naya Zamana, Jugnu, Dream Girl and Azaad. Anil Sharma worked with him in many films including Hukumat, Elaan-E-Jung, Farishtay, Tahalka and Apne.

Works in other languages

In the starting of his film career he worked in the Bengali film Paari (1966) directed by Jagannath Chatterjee. The film also featured Dilip Kumar and Keshto Mukherjee in key roles.<ref name=N18>Template:Cite news</ref>

He has periodically appeared in films in his native tongue of Punjabi, starring in Kankan De Ohle (1970), Do Sher (1974), Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (1974), Teri Meri Ik Jindri (1975), Putt Jattan De (1982) and Qurbani Jatt Di (1990). He returned to Punjabi cinema after a gap with the 2014 film Double Di Trouble.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other works

Political career

Dharmendra served as a Member of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Bharatiya Janata Party representing Bikaner in Rajasthan from 2004 to 2009. During his election campaign in 2004, he made an offensive remark that he should be elected dictator perpetuo to teach "basic etiquette that democracy requires" for which he was severely criticised.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He rarely attended Parliament when the house was in session, preferring to spend time shooting movies or working at his farmhouse, for which he was also widely criticised.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Television

File:Dharmendra.jpg

Dharmendra at an event in 2011

In 2011, Dharmendra replaced Sajid Khan as the male judge of the third series of popular reality show India's Got Talent.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 29 July 2011, the show aired on Colors TV with Dharmendra as the new judge and surpassed the opening ratings of the previous two seasons.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2023, he appeared in his first television acting role as Salim Chisti in the historical series Taj: Divided by Blood which is available on ZEE5.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Producing and presenting films

In 1983, Dharmendra set up a production company known as Vijayta Films. In its maiden venture Betaab, released in 1983, Vijayta Films launched Dharmendra's elder son Sunny Deol as the lead actor. The film was the second highest-grossing film of the year. In 1990 he produced the action film Ghayal, also starring Sunny. The film won seven Filmfare Awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Dharmendra in 1995 produced Barsaat, the costliest Indian film ever made until then, to launch his son Bobby Deol and Twinkle Khanna.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It emerged a superhit and remains the first and only time to date that such a film was made with newcomers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

He was the presenter for his films like Satyakam (1969) and Kab Kyun Aur Kahan (1970).

Legacy

Dharmendra is widely regarded as one of the most influential personalities in Indian cinema.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was considered one of the most handsome men in the world during his early career and is widely known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Rediff.com placed him 10th in its "Top 10 Bollywood Actors of All Time" list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Dharmendra most notable acting performances include Satyakam with Hrishikesh Mukherjee,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Sholay, which is listed by Indiatimes as one of the "top 25 must see Bollywood films of all time". In 2005, the judges of the 50th annual Filmfare Awards awarded Sholay the special distinction of Filmfare Best Film of 50 years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

When Dilip Kumar was giving the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award to Dharmendra, he commented, "Whenever I get to meet with God Almighty, I will set before him my only complaint—why did you not make me as handsome as Dharmendra?".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One of the most successful actors of the 1970s and 1980s, Dharmendra appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actors" list eighteen times from 1968 to 1984 and 1987. He topped the list four times (1972–1975).<ref name="Top Actors" />

In an interview, Salman Khan said that Dharmendra is the only person he has consistently followed after his father; he admires Dharmendra even more than Dharmendra’s own sons do.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also praised Dharmendra’s enduring appeal, calling him “the most beautiful looking man” because of the innocence and vulnerability in his face combined with a strong physique, a remark that led to Dharmendra being affectionately labelled “macho man."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a 2007 episode of Koffee with Karan, Jaya Bachchan revealed that she had been completely smitten with Dharmendra, describing him as a “Greek god” and even sharing her admiration in front of his wife, Hema Malini. She recalled being so starstruck upon their first meeting that she “hid behind a sofa.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Amitabh Bachchan also revealed that Jaya had already told him she admired Dharmendra above all others, saying, “There is nobody in the industry more handsome than him.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Zeenat Aman described Dharmendra as her favourite co-star, calling him “strikingly handsome” and noting his humble personality, which made her feel at ease during filming.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Madhuri Dixit has described Dharmendra as “one of the most handsome persons I have ever seen on screen,”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Dharmendra is the only actor to have twice delivered seven successful films in an year. In 1973, his successful films, included Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Loafer, Kahani Kismat Ki, Jheel Ke Us Paar, Keemat and Blackmail while in 1987, his profitable ventures were Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Loha, Insaniyat Ke Dushman, Watan Ke Rakhwale, Insaf Ki Pukar and Insaaf Kaun Karega.<ref name="Rewinds"/><ref name=TG1987/>

In 2022, he was placed in Outlook IndiaTemplate:'s "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Health issues

Between 2015 and 2020, Dharmendra had faced multiple health issues, including back pain, muscle strain, and weakness, which occasionally required hospitalisation. In 2025, Dharmendra underwent a corneal transplant surgery after the cornea of his left eye was damaged.Template:Citation needed

He had also been hospitalised on 31 October 2025 at the Breach Candy Hospital due to breathing difficulties. As reported by journalist Vicky Lalvani, he was admitted to the ICU for observation and was discharged within a few hours once all his vital parameters stabilised.Template:Citation needed

2025 illness and death hoax

On 10 November 2025, Dharmendra was again admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after complaining of respiratory issues. His wife, Hema Malini, shared on social media that he was under continuous medical supervision. According to reports, he was placed on ventilator support as his condition became critical. Several actors, politicians, and fans across the country expressed their concern and prayed for his speedy recovery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On the morning of 11 November 2025, rumours began circulating on social media and several news channels claiming that Dharmendra had died. The reports spread rapidly, with many media outlets broadcasting the unverified news. His death rumours flooded the internet after the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar even mourned his death in a post. Later, his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol dismissed the rumours through their social media accounts, confirming that Dharmendra was alive and in stable condition. They condemned the spread of such false information, calling it completely unacceptable and irresponsible.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Accolades and honours

Civilian award

File:The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to Shri Dharmendra Deol, at an Investiture Ceremony-II, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 04, 2012.jpg

President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to Dharmendra in 2012

• 2012 – Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour from the Government of India<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

National Film Awards

• 1990 – Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment – Ghayal<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Filmfare Awards

Year	Category	Film	Result
1965	Best Supporting Actor	Ayee Milan Ki Bela	Template:Nom
1967	Best Actor	Phool Aur Patthar	Template:Nom
1972		Mera Gaon Mera Desh	Template:Nom
1974		Yaadon Ki Baaraat	Template:Nom
1975		Resham Ki Dori	Template:Nom
1984	Best Comedian	Naukar Biwi Ka	Template:Nom
	Best Film	Betaab	Template:Nominated
1991	Best Film	Ghayal	Template:Won
1997	Lifetime Achievement Award	—	Template:Won

Other awards and recognitions

• In the mid-seventies, Dharmendra was voted one of the most handsome men in the world.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• He received a Special Award for his "contribution in Indian Cinema" at the Kalakar Awards.Template:Citation needed
• He is a recipient of the "Living Legend Award" by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Indian entertainment industry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2003 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Awards.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• In 2004, he was honoured for Best Contribution to Indian Cinema.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• In 2005, he received the Zee Cine Award for Lifetime AchievementTemplate:Citation needed
• In 2007, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2007, he received an IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• In 2007, he received an award for Humanitarian Services to the Indian Nation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• In 2007, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award by DBR Entertainment.<ref name="Hindu">Template:Cite news</ref>
• In 2007, the Punjabi newspaper Quami Ekta honoured him for his contributions to Indian cinema.<ref name="Hindu"/>
• In 2008, he was named "Actor Par Excellence" at the Max Stardust Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2008, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) International Film Festival.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2009, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nashik International Film Festival (NIFF).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2010, he was honoured as the Big Star Entertainer for his half-century of excellence at the BIG Star Entertainment Awards.Template:Citation needed
• In 2011, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2011, he received a "Salaam Maharashtra Award" for completing 50 years in the film industry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2011, he was honoured with "The ITA Scroll Of Honour" at the Indian Television Academy Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2017, he was honoured with the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel award at Mumbai.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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Dharmendra being awarded the Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award in 2017

• In 2020, he was honoured with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the state of New Jersey in United States.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Sources

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External links

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• Dharmendra at Instagram