Bollywood legend Dharmendra.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89, has left behind a stellar legacy. Here is a list of interesting facts about one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars.
He-Man of Bollywood
Having tasted his first commercial success as early as his sophomore film — Shola Aur Shabnam — in 1961, Dharmendra gradually went on to become a superstar known for macho roles. The actor’s continuous blockbusters were a symbol of masculinity and heroism, earning him the tag of ‘He-Man of Hindi cinema’.
Not just a hero
Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), directed by Mohan Kumar and produced by J. Om Prakash, was an important film for the gifted actor. In the movie, Dharmendra played a character with grey shades, and his performance won him widespread praise.
Rise of Rajesh Khanna and a healthy competition
Rajesh Khanna stormed the scene in 1969 with runaway hits such as Aaradhana and Do Raaste. Even as other actors faced the heat with the arrival of a new star, Dharmendra held his own. The actor established his reputation as a bankable star with hits such as Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Yakeen, Pyar Hi Pyar and Aadmi Aur Insaan in the same year.
Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra.
A memorable stint with Mohammed Rafi
The legendary Mohammed Rafi sang several evergreen numbers for Dharmendra. With over 100 songs for the superstar, the partnership contributed to the rich history of Hindi film music. ‘Mere Dushman Tu Meri Dost’ from Aaye Din Bahaar Ke (1966), ‘Main Jat Yamla Pagala Deewana’ from Pratigya (1975), ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beiman Hai’ from Loafer (1973), etc., were some of the all-time hits of the two.
Dharmendra and Mohammad Rafi.
A hit pair with Hema Malini
The 1970s witnessed the successful chemistry of Dharmendra and Hema Malini on the big screen. Starting off with Bhappi Sonie’s Tum Haseen Main Jawaan (1970) and Asit Sen’s Sharafat (1970), the pair established their success story with movies such as Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Samadhi (1972) and Raja Rani (1972). Including Sholay (1975), the real-life couple starred in more than 30 movies.
Dharmendra with Hema Malini.
Sholay stories: Veeru or thakur
Sholay, the cult classic, recently turned 50. The 1975 action drama is remembered for its famous characters. Thakur Baldev Singh, the character of the retired police officer, was essayed by the gifted Sanjeev Kumar. Dharmendra had shown his interest in playing the role. When the actor realised that playing Veeru would help him be the love interest of Hema Malini in the movie, he decided to let go of the Thakur character. Pran and Dilip Kumar were also considered for essaying Thakur by director Ramesh Sippy.
Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Sholay’.
The Deols in cinema: Sharing screen space with his sons
Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, the two sons of Dharmendra, went on to become noted stars in Bollywood. Dharmendra shared screen space with his two sons in movies such as Dillagi (1999), Apne (2007) and Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011). Dharmendra also produced Ghayal, one of the biggest hits of Sunny Deol.
Sunny Deol, Dharmendra and Bobby Deol in ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’.
Adapting to changing times
After a brief hiatus, Dharmendra revived his career by collaborating with new-generation filmmakers in the mid-2000s. He starred in Sriram Raghavan’s Johnny Gaddar (2007), a critically acclaimed thriller and the hit Life In A… Metro (2007).
Reuniting with Shabana Azmi
In a grand reunion, Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi starred in Karan Johar’s romantic drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023). The actors play estranged lovers who reunite after years. The duo was praised for their strong chemistry. The veteran actors had previously starred in Mardon Wali Baat (1988).
Last hurrah
Dharmendra’s final outing will be Ikkis, set to hit the screens on Christmas 2025. The movie, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is said to be about Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour. Agastya Nanda will play Arun, while Dharmendra has essayed the role of Arun’s grandfather.
Published – November 24, 2025 02:35 pm IST
