Dharmendra
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| Dharmendra in 2025 | |
| Born | 08 December 1935 (age 89) Nasrali, Ludhiana, Punjab, British India |
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Matriculation (1952) |
| Alma mater | Ramgarhia College, Phagwara, Panjab University, Chandigarh |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Politician |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Known for | Being the "He-Man" of Bollywood |
| Notable works | Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Dharam Veer, Apne |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan (2012), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) |
| Spouse(s) | Prakash Kaur (m. 1954), Hema Malini (m. 1980) |
| Parents | Kewal Krishan Singh Deol (father), Satwant Kaur (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | See below |
Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol (Dharmendra) is a legendary Indian actor, film producer, and politician. He is affectionately referred to as the "He-Man of Bollywood" and is regarded as one of the most attractive and prosperous actors in Indian film history.
Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere marked the beginning of his cinematic career in 1960. Dharmendra rose to prominence in Hindi cinema during the 1960s and 1980s, starring in popular films like Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Raja Jani, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Dharam Veer. He was adored by people of all ages and played both romantic and action parts.
Dharmendra holds the record for the most successful Hindi films, having starred in over 300 films over the course of his lengthy career spanning more than 60 years. He gave eight successful films in a single year in 1973 and nine in 1987, which is still a record.
In recognition of his significant contribution to Indian cinema, he was given the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. In 2012, he was given the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors. He later made appearances in popular contemporary films such as Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Life in a... Metro, and Apne.
In addition to his work in film, Dharmendra entered politics and represented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan. In addition to his acting prowess and attractive appearance, Dharmendra is also admired for his humility and affection for his followers.
Early Life & Education
Dharmendra was born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village, Ludhiana district, Punjab, British India. He belongs to a Punjabi Jat family. His mother was Satwant Kaur, and his father, Kewal Krishan Singh Deol, was a school headmaster. Dharmendra grew up in the Sahnewal village, which is close to Ludhiana.
His father worked at Government Senior Secondary School in Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where he attended school. In 1952, when Punjabi schools were governed by Punjab University, Chandigarh, he graduated from Phagwara. He later studied at the Punjab University-affiliated Ramgarhia College in Phagwara. Dharmendra moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) to pursue a career in film because he had a strong love for movies and aspired to be an actor.
Career
1960–1969: Early Career
Dharmendra started his film career after winning a talent contest organized by Filmfare magazine. After relocating to Mumbai from Punjab, he debuted as an actor in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960. Despite the failure of his early films, he quickly became well-known with Shola Aur Shabnam (1961), Anpadh (1962), and Bandini (1963).
Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), a hit film that earned him a nomination for Filmfare, was his big break. His war movie Haqeeqat was a huge hit that same year. He became famous thanks to Phool Aur Patthar, who nominated him for Best Actor for the first time in 1966. Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Anupama, Devar, and Mamta were among his subsequent hits.
With hits like Shikar, Ankhen, Mere Hamdam Mere Dost, and Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Dharmendra rose to prominence in Bollywood by the late 1960s. He received great appreciation for his performance in Satyakam (1969), which is still regarded as one of his best.
1970–1977: Superstardom
Dharmendra's career peaked in the 1970s. He became a well-known action hero with a number of superhits, including Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Tum Haseen Main Jawan, and Jeevan Mrityu.
With hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Samadhi, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, and Pratiggya, he rose to prominence as one of the decade's most well-liked celebrities. His action classic Sholay (1975) and comedy Chupke Chupke (1975) became timeless favorites and solidified his superstar status.
His success was sustained in 1977 by movies like Dream Girl, Chacha Bhatija, Dharam Veer, and Charas. Dharmendra was one of India's most well-known and adored actors by the end of the 1970s.
1978–1997: Continued Success
Dharmendra was still a well-liked star in the late 1970s and early 1980s, despite the fact that the quality of the movies varied. His hits include Rajput, Ghazab, Ghulami, Azaad, Dillagi, and The Burning Train. One of his most successful years was 1987, when he released a number of consecutive hits, including Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, and Watan Ke Rakhwale.
Although his appeal as a leading hero started to wane in the 1990s, he continued to make appearances in movies such as Kshatriya (1993) and Tahalka (1992). For his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema, he was given the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
1998–Present: Character Roles and Comeback
Dharmendra began portraying fatherly and character roles after 1998. Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Life in a... Metro (2007), Apne (2007), and Johnny Gaddaar (2007) are some of his well-known films from this era.
Although its sequels were less successful, he reunited with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol for the successful 2011 film Yamla Pagla Deewana. He most recently starred in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), both of which had strong box office results.
He will next be seen in Ikkis (2025), directed by Sriram Raghavan.
Other Work
Dharmendra worked with many famous directors and actors, but his most successful on-screen pair was with Hema Malini, who later became his wife. They costarred in a number of popular movies, including Dream Girl, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Dost, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Charas.
Additionally, he contributed to Bengali and Punjabi films, such as Paari (1966) and Kankan De Ohle (1970).
Political Career
Beginning in 2004, Dharmendra represented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a member of parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan, until 2009. Despite criticism for his poor attendance at Parliament, he continued to enjoy public support.
Television Career
Dharmendra joined the judges of Colors TV's reality show India's Got Talent (Season 3) in 2011. He played Salim Chishti in the historical web series Taj: Divided by Blood in 2023.
Film Production
Dharmendra founded Vijayta Films, his own production company, in 1983. His son Sunny Deol was introduced in the first movie, Betaab, which was a huge success. He later produced the 1990 film Ghayal, which took home a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards. To introduce his younger son Bobby Deol, he produced the hit song Barsaat in 1995.
Notable Works
Dharmendra has acted in over 300 films across a wide range of genres, earning immense popularity for his versatility and screen presence. The romantic hit "Phool Aur Patthar" (1966), the classic war drama "Haqeeqat" (1964), and the highly regarded "Satyakam" (1969), which is frequently regarded as his best performance, are some of his most well-known works.
His performance as the endearing yet courageous Veeru in "Sholay" (1975), one of the best and most popular movies in Indian cinema history, brought him immense fame. His roles in "Anupama" (1966), "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971), "Seeta Aur Geeta" (1972), "Jugnu" (1973), and "Chupke Chupke" (1975) solidified his status as one of Bollywood's best actors.
In later years, he earned appreciation for his mature and heartfelt roles in films such as Life in a... Metro (2007), Apne (2007), Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023). His long and successful career continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.
Achievements and Recognition
Dharmendra is one of the most celebrated and honoured actors in Indian cinema. Over his long and successful career, he has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
In 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, presented by the President of India, Pratibha Patil, for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema.
He also received the National Film Award in 1990 for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment as the producer of Ghayal under his home banner, Vijayta Films. The film was a major box-office success and remains one of the most acclaimed productions of his career.
| Year | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Best Supporting Actor | Ayee Milan Ki Bela | Nominated |
| 1967 | Best Actor | Phool Aur Patthar | Nominated |
| 1972 | Best Actor | Mera Gaon Mera Desh | Nominated |
| 1974 | Best Actor | Yaadon Ki Baaraat | Nominated |
| 1975 | Best Actor | Resham Ki Dori | Nominated |
| 1984 | Best Comedian | Naukar Biwi Ka | Nominated |
| 1984 | Best Film (Producer) | Betaab | Nominated |
| 1991 | Best Film (Producer) | Ghayal | Won |
| 1997 | Lifetime Achievement Award | — | Won |
Other Awards and Recognitions
- Voted as one of the most handsome men in the world in the mid-1970s.
- Received a Special Award for his contribution to Indian cinema at the Kalakar Awards.
- Honoured with the Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
- 2003 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Awards.
- 2004 – Honoured for Best Contribution to Indian Cinema.
- 2005 – Zee Cine Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2007 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF).
- 2007 – IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2007 – Award for Humanitarian Services to the Indian Nation.
- 2007 – Lifetime Achievement Award by DBR Entertainment.
- 2007 – Honoured by Punjabi newspaper Quami Ekta for his contribution to Indian cinema.
- 2008 – Named "Actor Par Excellence" at the Max Stardust Awards.
- 2008 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th MAMI International Film Festival.
- 2009 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nashik International Film Festival (NIFF).
- 2010 – Big Star Entertainer Award for 50 years of excellence in cinema.
- 2011 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards.
- 2011 – Salaam Maharashtra Award for completing 50 years in the film industry.
- 2011 – ITA Scroll of Honour at the Indian Television Academy Awards.
- 2017 – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award (Mumbai).
- 2020 – Lifetime Achievement Award by the State of New Jersey, United States.