Mumbai, India – Dharmendra, the iconic “He-Man of Bollywood,” has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that spans seven decades and over 300 films. His career, marked by both critical acclaim and immense popularity, began in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” after winning a film magazine contest. However, a little-known anecdote reveals a youthful Dharmendra’s audacious ambition, as he once trespassed into the home of his idol, Dilip Kumar, years before his own stardom.
Dharmendra recounted the incident in Dilip Kumar’s autobiography, recalling his 1952 visit to Mumbai, driven by an inexplicable feeling of kinship with the established star. Finding Dilip Kumar’s house unguarded, he entered and found himself face-to-face with his sleeping hero. The startled Kumar awoke, and Dharmendra, realizing the gravity of his intrusion, fled the scene. This early act of audacity foreshadowed a career that would break boundaries and redefine the archetype of the Bollywood hero.
After winning the Filmfare contest, Dharmendra’s official debut came with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere”. While the film didn’t make a significant impact, he quickly gained recognition in 1961 with “Shola Aur Shabnam”. Roles in films like “Anpadh” (1962) and Bimal Roy’s “Bandini” (1963) further solidified his position in the industry. “Bandini” proved to be a landmark film in his early career.
The war drama “Haqeeqat” (1964), based on the 1962 Sino-Indian War, brought him widespread acclaim, particularly for the song “Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo”. However, it was the 1966 film “Phool Aur Patthar” that catapulted Dharmendra into the realm of superstardom. Despite his newfound status, he continued to balance commercial appeal with roles that showcased his acting prowess.
Dharmendra shared a special connection with director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who considered him his favorite actor. Their collaborations in films like “Anupama”, which won a National Award, “Chupke Chupke”, and “Satyakam” (which Mukherjee considered his most satisfying film), were highly regarded. He also appeared in other Mukherjee films such as “Majhli Didi” and “Guddi”.
While Rajesh Khanna dominated the Hindi film industry in the late 1960s, Dharmendra maintained his position as both a star and a respected actor. As the 1970s ushered in the era of Amitabh Bachchan’s “angry young man,” Dharmendra transitioned towards action films, becoming the quintessential hero in movies like “Yaadon Ki Baaraat,” “Black Mail,” and “Loafer.” However, it was his role in Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 blockbuster “Sholay” that cemented his place in cinematic history.
In “Sholay”, Dharmendra shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, and Jaya Bachchan, playing the iconic character of Veeru. The film achieved unprecedented success, and songs like “Yeh Dosti” and “Holi Ke Din” became cultural touchstones. That same year, he showcased his comedic talents in “Chupke Chupke”, a role often considered his best comic performance. He also starred in “Pratiggya,” alongside Hema Malini.
Despite his immense popularity and numerous successful films throughout the 1970s, including “Dharam Veer,” “Charas,” “Shalimar,” and “The Burning Train,” Dharmendra never won a popular film award. In 1997, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Filmfare, and in 2012, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award.
In the 1980s, Dharmendra transitioned into production, launching Vijayta Films and introducing his son Sunny Deol in the 1983 film “Betaab.” Vijayta Films went on to produce hits like “Ghayal” and “Ghatak,” later launching his younger son Bobby Deol in “Barsaat” (1995). “Ghayal” won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The production house also made “Dillagi” (1999), which starred both Sunny and Bobby Deol and was one of the most expensive films in Indian cinema at the time.
Dharmendra returned to acting in the 2000s, appearing in films like “Apne” (2007), which starred his sons Sunny and Bobby, and “Life in a Metro”. More recently, he garnered attention for his role in Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani”. His final film, “Ikkis,” directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda, will be released posthumously, marking the end of an era for one of Bollywood’s most enduring stars.
