Dharmendra

Dharmendra Singh Deol, popularly known simply as Dharmendra, is one of the most iconic and beloved actors in the history of Indian cinema. Born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, a village in Punjab, British India, Dharmendra was raised in a traditional Sikh family. His father, Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, was a school headmaster, and his mother, Satwant Kaur, was a homemaker. Dharmendra’s early years were spent in Sahnewal, near Ludhiana, where he completed his schooling. From a young age, he displayed a charming personality and a strong screen presence, even before stepping into films.

He entered the film industry after winning a talent contest organized by Filmfare in the late 1950s. His debut came with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” in 1960, but it was films like Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Anupama (1966) that catapulted him to stardom. Known for his versatility, Dharmendra excelled in romantic roles, intense dramas, and action-packed blockbusters. He was famously nicknamed the “He-Man of Bollywood” for his muscular physique and daring stunts, especially in films like Sholay (1975), where he played the iconic role of Veeru alongside Amitabh Bachchan. His chemistry with co-stars like Hema Malini, Meena Kumari, and Sharmila Tagore remains legendary.

Over the decades, Dharmendra appeared in more than 250 films, becoming a box-office powerhouse from the 1960s through the 1980s. His ability to switch between romantic charm, comic timing, and raw action made him one of the most bankable stars of his era. Apart from Sholay, his notable works include Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Chupke Chupke (1975), Rakhwala (1971), The Burning Train (1980), and Dharam Veer (1977).

In his personal life, Dharmendra married twice—first to Prakash Kaur in 1954, with whom he has two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol (both successful actors), and two daughters, Vijayta and Ajeeta. Later, he married actress Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Beyond acting, Dharmendra also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009 for the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite his political stint, his heart always remained in films.

Over the years, Dharmendra received numerous awards, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012, India’s third-highest civilian honor, recognizing his immense contribution to Indian cinema. Even in his later years, Dharmendra continued to charm audiences with appearances in films like Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) alongside his sons. His journey from a small-town boy to one of Bollywood’s most celebrated legends is a testament to his dedication, charisma, and talent.