Dharmendra
Dharmendra (born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol; 8 December 1935 – 24 November 2025) was a legendary Indian actor, film producer, and politician. Fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, he was regarded as one of the most successful, charismatic, and enduring stars in the history of Hindi cinema. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in over 300 films and became a symbol of strength, romance, and versatility on screen.[1]
Dharmendra 
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| Born | 8 December 1935 Nasrali, Ludhiana, Punjab, British India |
| Died | 24 November 2025 (aged 89) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Birth name | Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor, Film Producer, Politician |
| Years active | 1960–2025 |
| Known for | He-Man of Bollywood |
| Spouse(s) | Prakash Kaur (m. 1954) Hema Malini (m. 1980) |
| Parents | Kewal Krishan Singh Deol (father) Satwant Kaur (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan (2012) Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) |
Early Life and Education
Dharmendra was born in Nasrali village, Ludhiana district, Punjab, into a Punjabi Jat family. His father, Kewal Krishan Singh Deol, was a school headmaster, and his mother was Satwant Kaur. He spent his early years in Sahnewal near Ludhiana and completed his schooling at a government school in Lalton Kalan.[2]
He later studied at Ramgarhia College, Phagwara, affiliated with Punjab University. Deeply fascinated by cinema from a young age, Dharmendra moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) to pursue a career in films after winning a Filmfare talent contest.[3]
Career
Early Career (1960–1969)
Dharmendra made his acting debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960). Although his initial films had limited success, he soon gained recognition with performances in Shola Aur Shabnam (1961), Anpadh (1962), and Bandini (1963).
His breakthrough came with Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), earning him a Filmfare nomination. Films such as Haqeeqat (1964), Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Anupama (1966), and Mamta (1966) established him as a leading actor. His role in Satyakam (1969) is widely regarded as one of his finest performances.
Superstardom (1970–1977)
The 1970s marked Dharmendra’s rise to superstardom. He delivered a string of major hits including Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Jugnu (1973), and Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973).
His performances in Sholay (1975) as Veeru and Chupke Chupke (1975) became timeless classics, showcasing both his action-hero image and comic timing. Films such as Dharam Veer (1977) and Dream Girl (1977) further cemented his iconic status.
Continued Success and Transition (1978–1997)
Dharmendra remained a prominent star through the late 1970s and 1980s with films like Ghulami, Rajput, Aag Hi Aag, and Hukumat. He set records with eight successful releases in 1973 and nine in 1987.
As his leading-man roles declined in the 1990s, he transitioned to mature characters while continuing to receive acclaim. In 1997, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Character Roles and Later Work (1998–2025)
From the late 1990s onward, Dharmendra embraced character roles in films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Life in a... Metro (2007), Apne (2007), and Johnny Gaddaar (2007).
He reunited with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol in Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011). His later appearances included Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). His final on-screen appearance was slated to be in Ikkis (2025), directed by Sriram Raghavan.
Film Production
In 1983, Dharmendra founded Vijayta Films. The banner launched Sunny Deol with Betaab (1983) and later produced Ghayal (1990), which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. He also produced Barsaat (1995), introducing Bobby Deol.
Political Career
Dharmendra entered politics in 2004 and served as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He remained in office until 2009.
Other Work
He also appeared as a judge on India’s Got Talent (Season 3) in 2011 and played Salim Chishti in the web series Taj: Divided by Blood (2023). Dharmendra worked in Punjabi and Bengali cinema alongside Hindi films.
Achievements and Recognition
Dharmendra received numerous honours throughout his career, including:
- Padma Bhushan (2012), India’s third-highest civilian award
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997)
- National Film Award (1990) as producer of Ghayal
- Multiple lifetime achievement awards from IIFA, Zee Cine, PIFF, and other institutions
He was frequently listed among the most handsome and influential actors of his era and remained a beloved public figure across generations.
Death
Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 in Mumbai following a prolonged illness. His death marked the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was mourned by millions of fans, colleagues, and public figures, leaving behind a legacy of iconic films, memorable performances, and an unparalleled contribution to Hindi cinema.[4]
References
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/world/asia/india-bollywood-dharmendra-dead.html
- ↑ https://www.bollywoodlife.com/photos/dharmendra-biography-education-career-net-worth-awards-and-life-journey-of-bollywoods-he-man-3279195/
- ↑ https://www.filmibeat.com/top-listing/dharmendra-biography-early-life-struggle-to-stardom-family-awards-and-everything-about-bollywoods-he-man-2-6321.html
- ↑ https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/defaultinterstitial.cms