Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, born on December 8, 1935, in the modest village of Nasrali in Ludhiana district, Punjab, during the twilight years of British rule, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures. His father, Kewal Krishan Singh Deol, worked as a school headmaster, while his mother, Satwant Kaur, came from a simple family. The ancestral roots of the Deol family trace back to Dangon village, situated near Pakhowal Tehsil in Raikot, Ludhiana, a region steeped in Punjabi culture and traditions.
Dharmendra spent most of his formative years in the serene village of Sahnewal, where his father had been posted as the school headmaster. The young boy grew up in an environment that emphasised educational discipline and strong family values, a legacy that would remain evident throughout his life. However, academic pursuits were never his passion. As a child, he was far more captivated by the magic of cinema than the rigours of mathematics and literature.
He attended Government Senior Secondary School at Lalton Kalan, in Ludhiana, where his father was the headmaster, and later pursued his intermediate studies at Ramgarhia College, Phagwara, completing his matriculation in 1952. During his college years, Dharmendra became increasingly disillusioned with academics. In a candid revelation, he later shared an anecdote from his college days where he admitted to bribing the college head clerk to prevent his poor performance marks from being delivered to his father—a misdeed that filled him with immense guilt when discovered.
During his teenage years, Dharmendra developed an almost obsessive fascination with cinema. When he first watched the 1948 film “Shaheed” starring Dilip Kumar, he experienced an epiphany. Standing before the mirror, he would chant, “Mai Dilip Kumar banna chahta hoon” (I want to become Dilip Kumar). This boyhood dream would eventually transform his entire life trajectory, taking him from a small Punjab village to the glittering heights of Bollywood stardom.
The Journey to Bombay and Early Career (1958-1961)
When Dharmendra expressed his desire to move to Bombay (now Mumbai) to pursue his acting dreams, his mother immediately discouraged him, fearing his father’s wrath. However, recognising her son’s unwavering determination, she suggested a safer alternative: “Why don’t you send applications to Bombay? If they like you, they will call you.” This piece of motherly wisdom became the turning point in his life.
In 1958, when Filmfare magazine launched its first-ever nationally organised new talent contest, Dharmendra saw his opportunity. He meticulously prepared his photographs and profile, chanting the Gayatri Mantra before sending his submission. Fortune smiled upon him—two months later, he received a letter offering him an all-expenses-paid trip to Bombay. For a humble school headmaster’s son from a small Punjab village, this was nothing short of a dream realised.
Film Debut and Initial Struggles
Upon arriving in Mumbai, Dharmendra made his film debut in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere,” directed by Arjun Hingorani and featuring Balraj Sahni and Kum Kum. However, this romantic drama barely made a dent at the box office, and Dharmendra found himself struggling to get substantial roles. For the next few years, he appeared in supporting roles in films like “Boy Friend” (1961) and took any work available to sustain himself in the competitive film industry.
His first commercial success came in 1961 with “Shola Aur Shabnam,” directed by Ramesh Saigal. This moderate success was followed by critically acclaimed performances in “Anpadh” (1962) and “Bandini” (1963), the latter winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. In “Bandini,” directed by the legendary Bimal Roy, Dharmendra portrayed Dr. Sudarshan, a prison doctor—a role that showcased his ability to convey emotional depth and sensitivity.
Rising to Prominence (1964-1969)
The real breakthrough arrived in 1964 when Dharmendra co-starred alongside Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu in “Ayee Milan Ki Bela,” directed by Mohan Kumar. Despite playing the antagonist, his charismatic performance caught audiences’ attention, earning him a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor nomination. That same year, he appeared in Chetan Anand’s war drama “Haqeeqat,” based on the Sino-Indian War of 1962. This critically acclaimed and commercially successful film became a landmark in his career, with the iconic song “Kar Chale Ham Fida,” sung by Mohammed Rafi, becoming hugely popular and establishing Dharmendra’s presence in the industry.
By 1966, Dharmendra had secured his position as a rising star. His pairing with the talented Meena Kumari in “Phool Aur Patthar,” directed by O.P. Ralhan, became the turning point. This superhit action film topped the box office chart of 1966 and became the defining moment in his career. As he removed his shirt in an iconic scene, a legend was born—the “He-Man” of Bollywood. The film’s massive success established him as a bankable star and earned him his first Filmfare Best Actor nomination.
Following this success, Dharmendra continued his upward trajectory with hits in “Mamta,” “Devar,” “Anupama,” and “Aaye Din Bahar Ke,” all released in 1966. His nuanced portrayal in “Anupama” was recognised with a special souvenir at the 14th National Film Awards.
However, the year that truly established Dharmendra’s versatility as an actor was 1969, when he delivered a career-best performance in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s critically acclaimed film “Satyakam.” Playing Satyapriya Acharya, an idealistic civil engineer who marries a survivor of sexual assault despite strong societal opposition, Dharmendra brought remarkable emotional depth and conviction to the role. His nuanced performance in this socially conscious drama earned him widespread acclaim and contributed to the film’s National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Critics and fans alike regard this as arguably his most affecting and powerful performance, showcasing his ability to transcend typical action-hero stereotypes.
Superstardom and the Golden Era (1970-1977)
The 1970s witnessed Dharmendra’s transformation from a talented actor to a full-fledged superstar. The turning point came with his collaboration with actress Hema Malini, which would become the most successful and personally transformative partnership of his career.
The Hema Malini Partnership
In 1970, Dharmendra and Hema Malini began their legendary on-screen partnership with “Jeevan Mrityu,” directed by Satyen Bose. An adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the film proved to be a major critical and commercial blockbuster, establishing its phenomenal chemistry. They followed this with a string of superhits including “Tum Haseen Main Jawan,” “Sharafat,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Raja Jani,” “Jugnu,” and countless others. Over their career, this celebrated couple would collaborate in 35 films together, becoming one of Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen pairs.
Their off-screen romance, which began during the early 1970s, added an authentic layer to their on-screen chemistry. As Hema Malini herself revealed in a 2025 interview, their real-life feelings enhanced their performances: “He was very fond of me as I was of him. We had a lovely relationship because we had worked on so many movies together. Eventually, friendship led to love, maybe that’s what was reflected on the big screen, too.”
Establishing the Action Hero Image
In 1971, Dharmendra delivered his most significant action-oriented film, “Mera Gaon Mera Desh,” directed by Raj Khosla. This All-Time Blockbuster firmly established him as an action hero and earned him a second Filmfare Best Actor nomination. The massive success of this film catalysed a shift in Hindi cinema from romantic dramas to action-oriented entertainers, with Dharmendra spearheading this transition.
Throughout 1972-1973, Dharmendra delivered an impressive string of blockbusters. “Seeta Aur Geeta” (1972) emerged as a massive superhit, followed by “Raja Jani,” another successful venture. By 1973, Dharmendra experienced what many consider the best year of his career.
1973: The Record-Breaking Year
The year 1973 stands out as phenomenal in Dharmendra’s filmography. His first release, A. Bhimsingh’s action crime film “Loafer,” became a superhit with songs like “Aaj Mausam Bada Be-Imaan” and “Main Tere Ishq Mein” becoming immensely popular and creating one of the best-selling Hindi film albums of the 1970s. He followed this with hits in “Jheel Ke Us Paar” and the massive blockbuster “Jugnu.” The latter proved so successful in both India and the Soviet Union that it took the second spot at the box office—a rare achievement. The film’s success led to remakes in Tamil as “Guru” (1980) and in Telugu. Toward the year’s end, he delivered more successes with “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (directed by Nasir Hussain and written by Salim-Javed), widely recognised as the first masala film of Indian cinema, and “Kahani Kismat Ki,” making 1973 an astonishing year with eight major hits.
Sholay: The Film That Defined an Era (1975)
In 1975, Dharmendra starred alongside the emerging superstar Amitabh Bachchan in what would become the most iconic film in Indian cinema history: “Sholay,” directed by Ramesh Sippy. As Veeru, the flirtatious, boisterous, and charming half of the criminal duo, Dharmendra delivered a performance brimming with infectious humour, charm, and vulnerability.
The film initially received lacklustre reviews and performed poorly in its first two weeks. However, from the third week onward, positive word-of-mouth sparked phenomenal growth. The iconic scene of “Veeru” performing a drunken gig atop a water tank became instantly memorable, while his chemistry with Hema Malini’s character Basanti—a spirited, witty tangewali (chariot driver)—crackled with infectious energy. The film became an “overnight sensation,” eventually becoming the highest-grossing Hindi-language film of 1975 and earning the designation of All-Time Blockbuster.
“Sholay” went on to establish multiple records: it ran continuously at Bombay’s Minerva Theatre for over five years, celebrated 60 golden jubilees across India—a standing record—and held the distinction as the longest-running theatrical film in Indian cinema history with 286 weeks until “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995) broke the record. In 2005, the 50th annual Filmfare Awards bestowed upon “Sholay” the special honour of Filmfare Best Film of 50 Years. The film drew an estimated 250 million audience members over the years, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time when adjusted for inflation.
Interestingly, Dharmendra later revealed that “Sholay,” while significant, was not his personal favourite. He expressed greater fondness for “Pratiggya” (1975), where he played a truck driver masquerading as a cop—a layered character that challenged him more dramatically despite receiving less public recognition.
Continued Excellence Through the 1970s
Following “Sholay,” Dharmendra released “Chupke Chupke,” also directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, featuring Amitabh Bachchan. As the bumbling, well-meaning Dr. Parimal Tripathi, Dharmendra demonstrated impeccable comic timing, proving his versatility extended far beyond action roles. He followed this with “Pratiggya,” another successful venture featuring his comedic prowess.
In 1976, he appeared in Ramanand Sagar’s action thriller “Charas,” set against the backdrop of the expulsion of the Indian community from Uganda following Idi Amin’s 1972 dictatorship. The film opened to a bumper response and emerged as a superhit.
The year 1977 proved to be another landmark year with the release of Manmohan Desai’s mega-action drama “Dharam Veer,” co-starring Jeetendra. This period-action film, featuring elaborate sword fights and ship battles, became a mega-blockbuster. The film demonstrated such phenomenal international success that in the United Kingdom, it commanded a record initial collection of £50,000 (equivalent to ₹438,140), and it sold an astounding 32 million tickets in the Soviet Union. The same year saw him succeed in “Chacha Bhatija,” another Manmohan Desai venture, cementing his position as Bollywood’s supreme action hero.
The Record Year of 1987
In 1987, Dharmendra achieved an unparalleled feat that remains unmatched in Hindi cinema history. That year, he released 12 films, and remarkably, 7 of them were consecutive hits. The successful films included “Insaniyat Ke Dushman,” “Loha,” “Hukumat,” “Aag Hi Aag,” “Watan Ke Rakhwale,” “Mard Ki Zabaan,” “Jaan Hatheli Pe,” and “Dadagiri.” Of these, “Hukumat,” directed by Anil Sharma and co-starring Rati Agnihotri, emerged as the highest-grossing film of the year and became so successful that it was remade in Tamil as “Puthiya Vaanam.” This extraordinary achievement remains a standing record in the history of Hindi cinema and speaks volumes about Dharmendra’s popularity and the versatility of roles he undertook.
Personal Life: The Controversial Second Marriage
Dharmendra’s personal life has been as eventful as his cinematic journey. At age 19 in 1954, before entering the film industry, he married Prakash Kaur in a traditional Sikh ceremony. The couple had four children together: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, and Ajeeta. Both sons would later become major Bollywood actors, continuing the family’s cinematic legacy.
However, Dharmendra’s life took a dramatic turn when he fell in love with actress Hema Malini after their professional collaboration beginning in 1970. The situation became complicated as he was already legally married to Prakash Kaur, and the Hindu Marriage Act of the time forbade polygamy.
To legalise his second marriage, on August 21, 1979, Dharmendra allegedly converted to Islam, officially changing his name to “Dilawar Khan.” He then married Hema Malini on September 2, 1980, in what became a nationally controversial event. The couple has two daughters: Esha Deol (born 1981), who became a successful actress, and Ahana Deol (born 1985), who works as an assistant director and dancer.
Addressing the Controversy
The marriage sparked significant controversy, with rumours circulating about both parties converting to Islam and participating in a nikaah (Islamic marriage ceremony) followed by a traditional Iyengar wedding. These allegations resurfaced in 2004 when Dharmendra contested the Lok Sabha elections, and the Congress party questioned why he only mentioned his first wife’s properties in his asset declaration.
When directly questioned about his religious conversion, Dharmendra categorically denied it: “This allegation is totally incorrect. I am not the kind of man who will change his religion to suit his interests.” He asserted that he remained a Hindu and that his family followed Arya Samaj traditions.
Interestingly, Dharmendra’s first wife, Prakash Kaur, came to his defence in 1981, when he faced intense criticism and was labelled a “womaniser.” In an interview with Stardust magazine, she acknowledged Hema Malini’s appeal and questioned the hypocrisy of critics, noting that many in the film industry behaved similarly. She asserted that Dharmendra, while not perfect as a husband, was an exceptional father and never neglected his children. Despite her personal disapproval of the situation, she maintained unwavering respect for him as the father of her children and the most important man in her life.
Complex Family Dynamics
The family situation remains complex. Hema Malini and Dharmendra have historically maintained separate residences—she in Mumbai and he at a farmhouse in Lonavala—though they remain legally married. However, Bobby Deol clarified in 2025 that his parents (Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur) continue to live together at the Lonavala farmhouse, maintaining their lifelong bond and caring for each other.
Family relationships have gradually normalised over the decades. Hema Malini revealed that she had a meaningful conversation with Sunny Deol almost a decade after marrying Dharmendra, and their interactions have since improved. The extended family members, including Hema and her children, have been photographed together on various occasions, though the family maintains privacy about the intricate dynamics of their relationships.
Production Ventures and Film Production
Beyond acting, Dharmendra ventured into film production through his production company Vijayta Films, established in 1983.
Betaab (1983) served as the company’s maiden venture, launching his elder son, Sunny Deol, as the lead actor. The film became the second-highest-grossing film of 1983 and proved that the Deol family had the commercial viability to succeed in Bollywood.
In 1990, Dharmendra produced “Ghayal,” also starring Sunny Deol. This action thriller won seven Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, and bagged the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, establishing Dharmendra as not just a talented actor but also a shrewd producer.
In 1995, Dharmendra produced “Barsaat,” then the costliest Hindi film ever made, with a budget of ₹8.25 crore. Created specifically to launch his younger son Bobby Deol alongside Twinkle Khanna, the film performed exceptionally well at the box office, earning ₹19.04 crore net collection with ₹33.90 crore gross worldwide, emerging as a Super-Hit. Remarkably, “Barsaat” remains the first and only time to date that the most costly film ever made featured newcomers—a distinction that speaks to Dharmendra’s confidence in his sons and his business acumen.
Political Career (2004-2009)
In a surprising turn of events, Dharmendra ventured into politics. He served as a Member of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 2004 to 2009, as a member of the 15th Lok Sabha.
However, his political tenure proved controversial and brief. During his 2004 election campaign, he made an offensive remark suggesting he should be elected “dictator perpetuo” to teach “basic etiquette that democracy requires,” for which he faced severe criticism. More significantly, his parliamentary attendance was abysmally poor. He rarely attended Parliament when the house was in session, preferring to shoot films or work at his farmhouse, attracting widespread criticism for neglecting his constituency.
In a 2010 interview, Dharmendra expressed deep regret about entering politics, revealing, “I came into politics, it felt that I almost choked myself and felt I was emotionally dragged into this. I never wanted to. The day I said yes, I banged my head into the mirror and thought Why did I say yes?“ He clarified that he never considered himself suited to politics, stating it required individuals to be “thick-skinned,” which he was not as an “emotional being.”
Awards and Honours
Throughout his extraordinary career, Dharmendra has received numerous accolades and honours.
National and Government Honours
In 2012, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, recognising his outstanding contributions to the arts and cinema. This remains one of his most prestigious recognitions.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
In 1997, Dharmendra received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to Hindi cinema. During the award ceremony, legendary actor Dilip Kumar emotionally commented: “Whenever I get to meet with God Almighty, I will set before Him my only complaint—why did you not make me as handsome as Dharmendra?”
Additionally, he has received multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards from prestigious organizations including Sansui Viewers’ Choice Awards (2003), Zee Cine Awards (2005), IIFA (2007), Pune International Film Festival (2007), Bombay International Film Festival (2008), Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (2008), Nashik International Film Festival (2009), and Apsara Film Producers Guild Awards (2011).
In 2019, the World Book of Records – London felicitated Dharmendra with the WBR Golden Era of Bollywood Honour for being a legendary actor with matchless contribution to Indian cinema and a strong presence spanning 60 years.
Physical Appearance and Personal Details
Dharmendra stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) in height and is regarded as one of the most handsome men in cinema history. In the mid-1970s, he was voted one of the most handsome men in the world, a distinction he attributes to his “innocent and vulnerable” facial features combined with his strong physique. He has been affectionately labelled the “macho man” and the “He-Man” of Bollywood, though he playfully noted that his own mother didn’t think he was particularly beautiful when born! His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
Recent Career and Enduring Legacy (1998-Present)
Since the late 1990s, Dharmendra has gracefully transitioned to character roles, continuing to showcase his enduring appeal and versatility.
Key Recent Films
In 1998, he appeared in Sohail Khan’s romantic comedy “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya,” co-starring Salman Khan and Kajol, which received positive reviews and became a superhit.
In 2007, he starred in three significant films: Anurag Basu’s acclaimed drama “Life in a… Metro,” Anil Sharma’s sports drama “Apne,” and Sriram Raghavan’s neo-noir thriller “Johnny Gaddaar.” Both “Life in a… Metro” and “Apne” proved to be critical and commercial successes, while “Johnny Gaddaar,” despite initially failing at the box office, later attained cult status among critics and cinephiles.
In 2011, Dharmendra starred in “Yamla Pagla Deewana,” which proved to be a box office hit and spawned two sequels, though the latter two received poor audience response. He also appeared as a guest judge on the reality show “India’s Got Talent” (third series) on Colours TV in 2011, replacing Sajid Khan.
In 2023, he appeared in Karan Johar’s ensemble family drama “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” co-starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Though reviews were polarised, the film grossed over ₹355 crore (US$42 million) worldwide, proved to be a commercial success, and earned the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 71st National Awards.
In 2024, Dharmendra co-starred in the romantic comedy “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, which received mixed reviews but still earned ₹1.3 billion (US$15 million) worldwide to emerge a commercial success.
Upcoming Projects
Dharmendra is set to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s “Ikkis” (2025), based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (the nation’s highest military decoration). He portrays Arun’s father in this narrative set during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Dharmendra’s influence on Indian cinema and popular culture is immeasurable. Known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, he transcended the typical action-hero archetype through remarkable versatility, excelling in romantic dramas, comedies, social commentaries, and intense action thrillers.
In 2022, he was placed in Outlook India’s “75 Best Bollywood Actors” list, and Rediff.com ranked him 10th in its “Top 10 Bollywood Actors of All Time” list.
Record and Achievement
Dharmendra holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema. In 1973, he delivered eight hits, and in 1987, he achieved seven consecutive hits from 12 releases—records that remain unmatched in cinema history.
Influence on Contemporaries and Successors
Salman Khan once revealed that Dharmendra is the only person he has consistently followed after his father, admiring him even more than Dharmendra’s own sons do. Jaya Bachchan confessed in a 2007 episode of Koffee with Karan that she had been completely smitten with Dharmendra, describing him as a “Greek god.” Madhuri Dixit has described him as “one of the most handsome persons I have ever seen on screen,” while Zeenat Aman called him her favourite co-star, praising his striking appearance and humble demeanour.
Bollywood Recognition
In 1987, Dharmendra appeared on Box Office India’s “Top Actors” list an impressive 18 times between 1968 and 1984, topping the list four consecutive years from 1972 to 1975.
Personal Philosophy and Recent Reflections
Dharmendra has expressed certain regrets about his career. Most notably, he once gave away the script of “Zanjeer” to another actor—a film that would eventually make Amitabh Bachchan the legendary “Angry Young Man” of Bollywood.
In recent years, particularly in 2024, he shared a throwback photograph with his late father, Kewal Kishan, and son Sunny Deol, captioning it: “Kaash! MAA BAAP ko aur waqt diya hota!” (Wish I had devoted more time to my parents). When fans asked how to keep parents happy, he responded: “Treat them the way you treat your kids. If you don’t have kids… Be their loving child.” This tender reflection showcases the depth of his character beyond the glamorous facade of stardom.
When asked why he failed to win the Filmfare Best Actor Award despite numerous nominations and a hundred-plus popular films, Dharmendra philosophically responded: “For me, the greatest award is the love and support of my fans, which I always get.”
Conclusion
Dharmendra’s journey from a small village in Punjab to becoming one of Hindi cinema’s greatest icons epitomises the power of determination, natural talent, and unwavering conviction. With over six decades in cinema, more than 300 films, and a legacy spanning multiple generations, he remains a towering figure in Indian popular culture.
He famously stated: “I don’t want to be inside people’s brains… I live in people’s hearts, a place from where no one can throw me out.” This philosophy perfectly encapsulates Dharmendra’s enduring appeal and cultural significance. Whether through his iconic performances in “Sholay,” his sensitive portrayal in “Satyakam,” his comic brilliance in “Chupke Chupke,” or his recent appearances proving his continued relevance, Dharmendra continues to inspire actors and captivate audiences worldwide.
As one of Bollywood’s greatest ever actors, a versatile performer, a successful producer, and a cultural icon, Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema remains unparalleled and eternally cherished. He is not merely a superstar—he is a legend, a phenomenon, and a testament to the transformative power of cinema.
Must Read: Kapil Punj to Kapil Sharma: A Comedy Legend’s Evolution
Reference Links: