The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved stars as Bollywood legend Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 on Monday. The actor, whose career spanned more than six decades and included over 250 films, was affectionately known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood for his powerful action roles.
From Humble Beginnings to Bollywood Stardom
Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra's journey to stardom began when he moved to Mumbai in 1958 after winning a talent competition in a celebrity magazine. The actor once recalled his modest beginnings, telling biographer Rajiv Vijayakar, "I only had my dreams. I was an untutored villager, with no idea of acting."
His matinee-idol looks quickly captured producers' attention, leading to his screen debut in the 1960 melodrama "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" ("My Heart is Yours, As am I"). However, it was his lead role in the 1966 drama "Phool Aur Patthar" ("Flower and Stone") that made cinematic history when he became the first Bollywood actor to bare his chest on screen.
A Career of Milestones and Memorable Partnerships
Dharmendra's career was marked by several significant partnerships with leading actresses, but his most enduring collaboration was with Hema Malini, Bollywood's first woman superstar. Their undeniable chemistry in films like the 1972 hit "Seeta Aur Geeta" and the iconic 1975 blockbuster "Sholay" ("Embers") eventually blossomed into a real-life romance.
The couple married in 1980 in a union that generated controversy since Dharmendra chose not to divorce his first wife, Prakash Kaur. Despite the public scrutiny, the marriage produced two daughters and did little to diminish his popularity among fans, who continued to cheer for "Garam Dharam" ("Hot Dharam") in theaters across India.
Beyond the Action Hero: A Versatile Performer
While Dharmendra earned his "He-Man" nickname through a string of action movies in the 1980s, many critics noted that his reputation as a handsome leading man often overshadowed his remarkable versatility and subtle performances in films now considered classics of Indian cinema.
Movies such as "Bandini" ("Imprisoned"), "Anupama" ("Incomparable") and "Satyakam" showcased his depth as an actor beyond the action hero persona. The father of six also expanded his career into film production, creating movies starring his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and even served as a member of parliament.
Dharmendra's passion for acting remained undiminished throughout his life. He continued performing into his eighties, starring in the "Yamla Pagla Deewana" ("Crazy, Mad Lover") franchise alongside his sons from 2011 to 2018. His performance in 2023's romantic family drama "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani" ("The Love Story of Rocky and Rani") demonstrated that even in his 80s, he could still captivate audiences.
Away from the glamour of Bollywood, Dharmendra found peace on his farm, where he shared videos with his social media followers of himself tending crops and caring for cows. Despite his massive fame, he often spoke with humility about his career, once admitting in a 2011 interview, "I was always dissatisfied with the way I looked on screen. I always used to ask my directors for reshoots, saying I am not looking good from this angle or that angle."
His legacy includes not only his film contributions but also his receipt of one of India's highest civilian awards, cementing his status as a true icon of Indian cinema whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
