Dharmendra, born Dharm Singh Deol on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village of Ludhiana district, Punjab, is regarded as one of the greatest and most charismatic actors in Indian cinema. Known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” he has entertained audiences for more than six decades with his powerful screen presence, charming personality, and versatile roles.
Dharmendra grew up in a humble Punjabi household. His father, Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, was a schoolteacher, and his mother, Satwant Kaur, was a devoted homemaker. As a child, he was introverted but deeply passionate about films. He often mentioned that he would walk miles to watch movies in nearby towns, dreaming of becoming a film star one day.
His journey to Bollywood began when he won a Filmfare talent contest in the late 1950s, which brought him to Mumbai. The early years were full of struggle, but his dedication and striking looks soon opened doors for him. He made his acting debut with the film “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” (1960). Though the film was modest, Dharmendra’s performance drew attention, and he gradually became one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Dharmendra established himself as a leading star known for romance, comedy, drama, and especially action roles. Some of his most acclaimed films include Phool Aur Patthar, Anupama, Satyakam, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dharam Veer, Anhonee, Dream Girl, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. His role as Veeru in “Sholay” (1975) remains one of the most iconic performances in Indian cinema history. The film became a classic, and Dharmendra’s pairing with Hema Malini and friendship with Amitabh Bachchan became legendary.
Apart from action, Dharmendra was highly praised for his comic timing in films like “Chupke Chupke” directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. His effortless charm, natural acting style, and ability to adapt to any genre made him one of the most versatile actors of his era. He worked with all leading directors and actresses of his time, delivering more than 300 films in his career.
Dharmendra’s personal life has been as widely discussed as his movies. He married Prakash Kaur in 1954, and they have four children—Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, and Ajeeta. Later, he married actress Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters—Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Both Sunny and Bobby Deol went on to become successful Bollywood actors.
In 2004, Dharmendra entered politics and was elected as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. Although he remained less active politically, he continued to enjoy immense respect from the public.
Even in his later years, Dharmendra continues to appear in films and web series, showing his passion for acting. His humility, warmth, and down-to-earth nature have earned him admiration across generations. Today, Dharmendra is celebrated as a living legend whose contribution to Indian cinema remains incomparable. His journey from a small village in Punjab to the heights of stardom continues to inspire aspiring actors worldwide.
