Dharmendra: The Man Who Built Himself into Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ with Hard Work, Love, and Strength

Known as Bollywood’s original ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra needs no introduction. Over the course of his illustrious film career, he has acted in more than 300 films and portrayed numerous unforgettable roles.

Born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab, Dharmendra’s real name is Dharam Singh Deol. After winning the Filmfare National Talent Award, he came to Mumbai with dreams of working in films. However, the journey wasn’t easy. Despite winning the award, he didn’t get a film offer immediately and had to do various small jobs, including working at a garage, to survive in Mumbai.

As they say, hard work never goes in vain—and Dharmendra's perseverance paid off. In 1960, he got his first break in Arjun Hingorani’s film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. From there, he never looked back. He went on to act in over 300 films and gave countless hit performances, becoming one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved actors.

Key Films

Beyond his debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, Dharmendra has starred in classics such as Surat Aur Seerat, Anpadh, Bandini, Purnima, Kajal, Manjhli Didi, Baharon Ki Manzil, Phool Aur Patthar, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Bahaarein Phir Bhi Aayengi, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, Dulhan Ek Raat Ki, Qayamat, Insaaf Kaun Karega, Elan-e-Jung, Shehzade, Kundan, Main Bhi Ladki Hoon, Hukumat, Mere Hamdam Mere Dost, Pyar Hi Pyar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Samadhi, Raja Jani, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Sharafat, Naya Zamana, Patthar Aur Payal, Kab Kyun Aur Kahan, Paapi Devta, Pratigya, Dharmveer, Sholay, Haqeeqat, Yakeen, Chupke Chupke, Guddi, Anupama, Professor Pyarelal, Chaitali, and Satyakam.

He successfully reinvented himself with a second innings in films like Life in a Metro, Apne, Yamla Pagla Deewana series, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

Television Debut

Dharmendra also appeared on television in 2011 as a judge on India’s Got Talent, replacing Sajid Khan.

Humanity and Gratitude

Dharmendra is as well known for his kindness and loyalty as he is for his acting. After the death of Chaitali director Bimal Roy, the film was left incomplete, and the producer faced financial trouble. Dharmendra arrived with a briefcase full of cash to help Roy’s wife complete the film, without asking for payment.

Similarly, he always worked in Arjun Hingorani’s films for a minimal fee as a gesture of gratitude for giving him his first break in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.

For his contributions to cinema, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2012.

Family Life

Dharmendra’s first marriage was to Prakash Kaur in 1954. The couple has four children—sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita. After moving to Mumbai and entering the film industry, Dharmendra married Hema Malini.

Together, they starred in films like Sholay, Raja Jani, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Razia Sultan, Seeta Aur Geeta, Naya Zamana, and Sharafat. From this marriage, he has two daughters—Esha and Ahana. Sunny, Bobby, and Esha are all active in Bollywood.

Launching the Next Generation

Alongside acting, Dharmendra ventured into film production. Under his banner Vijayta Films, he launched his elder son Sunny Deol with Betaab (1983), younger son Bobby Deol with Barsaat (1995), and nephew Abhay Deol with Socha Na Tha (2005). All have gone on to establish themselves in the industry.

Life Today

Dharmendra now lives on his farmhouse in Lonavala, where he takes a deep interest in organic farming and nurtures the land like his own children. Even in today’s digital age, he is highly active on social media, regularly posting photos and videos for his fans.

He will soon be seen in the upcoming films Ikkis and Apne 2.

Box Feature

“He’s not a ‘loafer,’ he’s made of iron”: A Letter to Dharmendra Through His Film Titles
Dear Dharmendra Ji,

Someone once teasingly said you're a ‘Phandebaz’, but I know you live a life of ‘Sharafat’. They may call you a ‘Loafer’, but we see the ‘Naya Zamana’ you helped create. You may have tried ‘Charas’, your eyes may resemble those of an ‘International Crook’, and your ‘Maa’ may not know ‘Kab Kyun Aur Kahan’ you go—but I do.

You wander ‘Jhilmil Sitaaron Ke Saath’, in search of ‘Anupama’, like a truly ‘Azaad’ man. To douse the ‘Sholay’ of vengeance within, you must revolt. Your ‘Dream Girl’ has gone missing and to find her, you may have to stake your life in a ‘Baazi’.

We know you'll carry a ‘Time Bomb’ and sneak into ‘Shalimar’ ‘Chupke Chupke’, but beware—‘Alibaba’ might catch you. Marjeena may bind you with ‘Resham Ki Dori’ and ‘Blackmail’ you, but you must walk the path of ‘Satyakam’. Alongside Ram Balram, become the ‘Daawedar’. Choose between Seeta Aur Geeta—both have come of age.

Don’t be a ‘Krodhi’, instead give everyone only ‘Pyar Hi Pyar’. I heard you and Purnima Didi plan to go ‘Shikaar’ hunting by ‘The Burning Train’. Your ‘Dost’, who went abroad to become ‘Doctor Babu’, sends love. Make a ‘Pratigya’ to shine like ‘Jugnu’ and prove you're not just a star—you’re a ‘Veer’.

You're as strong as ‘Loha’, walk ‘Khullam Khulla’, carry the ‘Junoon’ of a ‘Samraat’, march with a ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’, and uphold every relationship like ‘Chacha Bhatija’. You are the true heir to the ‘Rajtilak’, who walks with ‘Jaan Hatheli Pe’ and still smiles as you say—“Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya!”

You adopted us as your ‘Apne’, made us laugh as a ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’, and even today—when the ‘Life in a Metro’ exhausts us—you win new generations' hearts through ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’.

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