When Dharmendra bought a Fiat car as 'backup plan' during his initial days in Bollywood: "I can turn into a taxi and..."

Dharmendra revealed that he bought his first car, not as a luxury, but as insurance in case his dreams ever shattered.

Late veteran actor Dharmendra’s arrival in Bollywood was nothing short of electrifying. With his towering frame, rugged charm, and deep, unmistakable voice, he quickly earned the title of India’s original “He-Man.”

Over the decades, audiences watched him evolve from a young hopeful chasing stardom to one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved legends. His journey began with his debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, and from that moment on, there was no looking back.

But behind the stardom, glamour, and the endless love from fans, Dharmendra carried a surprising, humble backup plan — one that reflected his small-town roots and grounded personality.

In an old interview with India TV, Dharmendra spoke about his early days and the awe he felt when he watched greats like Dilip Kumar on screen. He recalled thinking, "Where are these beauties from? I should be among them. I belong there." And with persistence and passion, he did find the place he believed he was meant for. But even as he began earning recognition, he remained acutely aware of how unpredictable the film industry could be.

That awareness led to a decision that few would expect from a rising star. Dharmendra revealed that he bought his first car, not as a luxury, but as insurance in case his dreams ever shattered. He shared, "When I started to do a little better in the industry and was paid well, I bought my first car, a Fiat. However, my brother Ajit didn't approve of my choice. He said, 'Paaji, you could have bought a better-looking car, with an open roof, after all, you are a hero.' I said, 'We can't trust this industry. Tomorrow I might not get to work. If things go south, I will at least have this Fiat, which I can turn into a taxi and earn a living.'"

This simple, honest admission revealed the heart of the man behind the superstar — someone who dreamt big but prepared himself for reality.

Dharmendra’s dreams, however, had begun long before fame ever found him. Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishna Deol in Nasrali, Ludhiana, he was just a village boy when he first watched the 1948 film Shaheed. The performance of Dilip Kumar struck such a deep chord in him that he decided, even as a 13-year-old who struggled in school, that he wanted nothing more than to become an actor. Cinema became his calling, his escape, and eventually, his destiny.

Also read: When Hema Malini asked Dharmendra for marriage saying 'You better marry me now, I just need some love'

Dharmendra gave several hits such as Sholay, Aaye Din Baahar Ke, Anupama, and more. His most recent works include Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. His last on screen appearance will be in Ikkis, releasing on December 25, 2025.

The legendary actor passed away on November 24, 2025 after battling prolonged illness.