When Dharmendra revealed he would work in garage to survive in Mumbai, "Mujhe sirff 200 Rs milte the...".

When Dharmendra revealed he would work in garage to survive in Mumbai, "Mujhe sirff 200 Rs milte the...".

Dharmendra has once again been in the news unfortunetly due to his health. The 89-year-old actor is currently under medical supervision at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing age-related complications and difficulty in breathing. While doctors have stated that he is stable and being monitored, the concern from fans has been heartfelt and overwhelming. Social media has seen an outpouring of prayers and wishes for his recovery, a reminder of how deeply loved Dharmendra remains even today. As audiences hope for his return home soon, many have also been revisiting the remarkable journey that brought him to where he is.

This is a story that began far away from lights, cameras, and applause. Dharmendra’s journey to stardom is one of grit, hunger, and relentless hope. Today, he is celebrated as an icon of Hindi cinema, with nearly 300 films to his name. But before he became a hero on screen, he was a young man trying simply to survive in Mumbai.

Born in Sahnewal near Ludhiana, Punjab, Dharmendra grew up in a modest household. His fascination with cinema started early, and that passion eventually pushed him to take the brave leap toward Mumbai. What awaited him, however, was not opportunity but struggle. He had no place to stay, no certainty of income, and no support system in the city that churned out dreams and heartbreak in equal measure.

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Dharmendra once shared these memories on a reality show, and the moment was quiet but heavy. “Before entering films, I used to work in a garage. I didn’t have a house in Mumbai. I also worked in a drilling firm. I was paid only 200 rupees. That wasn’t enough to survive on,” he said. At times, he would sleep inside the garage. Survival was a daily negotiation. He added, “So after that, I had to work overtime to earn more money.” The simplicity of the statement did not dilute the hardship behind it.

What he lacked in comfort, he compensated for with persistence. He continued chasing auditions, writing to studios, and refusing to be defeated by circumstances. His break came through a Filmfare talent contest, opening the door to a career that would help define Indian cinema itself. From Phool Aur Patthar and Sholay to Sita Aur Geeta and recently Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Dharmendra shaped eras and hearts.