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10 films of Dharmendra that prove why he will always be Bollywood's original He-Man

From Phool Aur Patthar to Sholay and Dharam Veer, Dharmendra’s power-packed performances, rugged charm, and effortless heroism cemented his legacy as Bollywood’s original He-Man and timeless action icon.

Vaishnavi Gavankar | November 12, 2025 / 19:40 IST
1/9
Sholay (1975) - Dharmendra as Veeru became the heartbeat of the film. His easy charm, fearless spirit, and chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini made the character timeless. Sholay is more than a movie; it’s a shared memory for generations.
Sholay (1975) - Dharmendra as Veeru became the heartbeat of the film. His easy charm, fearless spirit, and chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini made the character timeless. Sholay is more than a movie; it’s a shared memory for generations.
2/9
Chupke Chupke (1975) - He flipped expectations with this witty, light-hearted performance as Dr Parimal Tripathi. The film proved he wasn’t just an action star he could deliver sharp comedy with grace and intelligence.
Chupke Chupke (1975) - He flipped expectations with this witty, light-hearted performance as Dr Parimal Tripathi. The film proved he wasn’t just an action star he could deliver sharp comedy with grace and intelligence.
3/9
Phool Aur Patthar (1966) - This is the film that turned him into a full-fledged star. Playing Shaka, a tough man with a conscience, Dharmendra showed emotional depth rarely seen in leading men of that era.
Phool Aur Patthar (1966) - This is the film that turned him into a full-fledged star. Playing Shaka, a tough man with a conscience, Dharmendra showed emotional depth rarely seen in leading men of that era.
4/9
Satyakam (1969) - It is often termed as his finest performance. As an idealistic man trying to stay honest in a corrupt world, Dharmendra delivered raw sincerity and emotional power. The industry still cites this as proof of his acting range.
Satyakam (1969) - It is often termed as his finest performance. As an idealistic man trying to stay honest in a corrupt world, Dharmendra delivered raw sincerity and emotional power. The industry still cites this as proof of his acting range.
5/9
Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) - He played a reformed criminal taking on a ruthless dacoit. The film helped shape the template for the action hero of the 70s tough but grounded, heroic yet human.
Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) - He played a reformed criminal taking on a ruthless dacoit. The film helped shape the template for the action hero of the 70s tough but grounded, heroic yet human.
6/9
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) - Starring opposite Hema Malini, he brought playful, relaxed humour to the screen. The film showed his ability to be fun and light without losing presence or charm.
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) - Starring opposite Hema Malini, he brought playful, relaxed humour to the screen. The film showed his ability to be fun and light without losing presence or charm.
7/9
Anupama (1966) - A gentle, poetic performance where Dharmendra played a quiet, sensitive man. It revealed the softer, romantic side of the “He-Man” and remains one of his most tender roles.
Anupama (1966) - A gentle, poetic performance where Dharmendra played a quiet, sensitive man. It revealed the softer, romantic side of the “He-Man” and remains one of his most tender roles.
8/9
Raja Jani (1972) - A mix of mystery, romance, and emotion. His dual shades — the charming lover and the fierce defender — highlighted his versatility. His pairing with Hema Malini shone brightly once again.
Raja Jani (1972) - A mix of mystery, romance, and emotion. His dual shades — the charming lover and the fierce defender — highlighted his versatility. His pairing with Hema Malini shone brightly once again.
9/9
Haqeeqat (1964) - An early performance that showed his strength as a serious actor. Playing a soldier in one of India’s first major war films, he captured both courage and heartbreak with restraint.
Haqeeqat (1964) - An early performance that showed his strength as a serious actor. Playing a soldier in one of India’s first major war films, he captured both courage and heartbreak with restraint.

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