Dharmendra: Why the Sholay actor will always be people’s hero of Hindi cinema

Dharmendra has been in the entertainment industry for six decades

Dharmendra, the original He-Man of Indian Cinema, was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to age-related ailments. Here's a look at the veteran actor's journey who has given us memorable roles.

Only few stars have shone as brightly and as long as Dharmendra. With a career spanning over six decades, he is one of the most loved, respected, and versatile actors in India.

Dharmendra was born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, a small pind in Punjab’s Ludhiana district. His father, Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, was a school teacher, and his mother, Satwant Kaur, a housewife. Dharmendra grew up in rural Punjab.

“I am a farmer’s son,” Dharmendra often said.

He completed his graduation from Ramgarhia College in Phagwara, Punjab and then decided to move to Bombay (now Mumbai) to chase his acting dreams.It was a journey that changed the course of Indian cinema.

The early struggles and that One breakthrough

Dharmendra made his acting debut in 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere' in 1960. It wasn't a dream launch and success didn’t come overnight. He spent his initial years playing supporting roles but he continued to work on his craft and wait for that one role which could change his life. His sensitive portrayal in Bandini (1963) and Anupama (1966) showcased depth and gentleness which was rare for a mainstream actor. His good looks and soft-spoken nature soon earned him loyal fan following.

“Hard work never goes in vain,” he said once and his career proved it true.

From romance to action hero

The turning point in his professional life came Phool Aur Patthar in 1966, which saw him paired opposite the beautiful Meena Kumari. It was a film that established him as a powerful star.His shirtless look in the film made female fans drool over his good and rugged looks.

Phool Aur Patthar not only became the highest-grossing film of that year but also gave him the title of Bollywood’s He-Man.

And by the time it was the 70s, Dharmendra emerged as one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema.

He was seen in films Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), but it was the superhit and timeless Sholay (1975) that cemented his place in cinematic history.

His chemistry with Hema Malini, who later became his wife, was electric.“A man draws his own line, destiny only follows,” he once said in an interview.

Dharmendra's legacy and style

Over six decades, Dharmendra had acted in over 300 films, spanning romance, action, comedy, and drama. His versatility made him one of the most complete actors of his era.

Dharmendra was known for his physique, charisma, and emotional honesty, those were traits that earned him the “He-Man” tag.

In 1973, he delivered eight consecutive hits, and in 1987, seven it was a record that few of the actor have ever matched till now.Awards and Honours

Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) – for his immense contribution to Indian cinema.

Padma Bhushan (2012) – India’s third-highest civilian honour.

Multiple Filmfare nominations for Best Actor through the 1960s and 1970s.

Much talked about love life

Dharmendra’s personal life has always fascinated his fans. He married Prakash Kaur in 1954, long before he had started his film career.Together, they have four children actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol and two daughters - Vijeyta and Ajiyeta. Dharmendra had launched Vijehta Films after his daughter's name.

Many years later, during his film career, he met actress Hema Malini, and their on-screen chemistry blossomed into real love. Dharmendra married Hema Malini in 1980 and have two daughters named Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

“Love isn’t what you show the world; it’s what two hearts silently understand,” Dharmendra once said.Even after his leading-man days faded, Dharmendra never really retired. He reinvented himself in supporting and character roles appearing in films like Life in a... Metro (2007), Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) (alongside his sons). He was last seen on screen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), where he charmed the audiences even at the age of 87.

Short Political career

In 2004, he entered politics and served as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner (Rajasthan), representing the Bharatiya Janata Party. His eldest son Sunny Deol also contested elections from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab and won from the BJP ticket.He was an MP from 2019 -2024.

Dharmendra remained active till date and was health-conscious. On his Instagram  feed he always shared videos of his calm and farming life at his Punjab home. He also shared video of him swimming at this age.

In a recent message, the 89-year-old urged fans to “stay fit and positive,” sharing glimpses of his disciplined routine and heartfelt gratitude toward life.

“As long as I breathe, I’ll keep acting,” he once declared — and true to his words, the spirit of Dharmendra continues to inspire.