Remembering Dharmendra: Celebrating the many moods behind his most iconic songs
For every season of love, for every ache and every smile, there was always a Dharmendra song. He made music feel human — imperfect, hopeful, and endlessly alive. His films gave us heroes, and his songs gave voice to our deepest emotions. And together, they shaped a kind of cinema that felt timeless, untouched by passing years and forever alive in the hearts of those who grew up with it.
Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe Film: Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966) Details: A romantic classic sung by Mohammed Rafi, this song beautifully captures the charm of Dharmendra’s early romantic-hero phase. His graceful screen presence made it one of his most admired love songs of the ’60s.
2/8
Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke Film: Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969) Details: A melodious title track featuring Dharmendra in an emotionally rich role. The song reflects themes of love and destiny, with his expressive acting complementing the soulful composition by Laxmikant–Pyarelal.
3/8
Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga Film: Jeevan Mrityu (1970) Details: Sung by Lata Mangeshkar & Mohammed Rafi, this wedding-themed duet is one of Bollywood’s most evergreen melodies. Dharmendra’s performance in Jeevan Mrityu, a suspense–drama, marked one of his strongest early hits.
4/8
Dream Girl Film: Dream Girl (1977) Details: Though the song is picturised on Hema Malini, Dharmendra’s presence in the film made the pairing one of Bollywood’s most beloved. The track became a cultural landmark and strengthened their legendary on-screen and off-screen bond.
Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Film: Blackmail (1973) Details: One of Bollywood’s most timeless romantic songs, sung by Kishore Kumar. Dharmendra’s tender expressions and chemistry with Rakhee made this track a generational favourite. It remains one of the most associated songs with his legacy.
6/8
Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge Film: Sholay (1975) Details: An anthem of friendship sung by Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. Dharmendra as Veeru and Amitabh Bachchan as Jai created one of cinema’s most iconic friendships. The song defines Indian pop culture even today.
7/8
Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana Film: Pratigya (1975) Details: A fun, folk-inspired number where Dharmendra embraces his comic, desi charm. The song became so iconic that it inspired the titles of his later family franchise — Yamla Pagla Deewana.
8/8
Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai Film: Loafer (1973) Details: Sung by Mohammed Rafi, this track showcases Dharmendra’s rugged, charismatic presence. The song became iconic for its raw emotional intensity and Dharmendra’s stylish screen aura.
