DST News: Bollywood veteran Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars, died in Mumbai on Thursday at the age of 89.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the actor, saying his death “marks the end of an era” for the film industry. For millions of admirers across generations, Dharmendra was more than a screen idol — he was a familiar, comforting presence who embodied warmth, charm, and humility.
Often calling himself “a simple man,” Dharmendra built a career spanning more than 300 films. He is remembered most vividly for his portrayal of Veeru, the carefree outlaw in the 1975 classic Sholay, a film that remains one of the biggest cultural touchstones in Indian cinema.
His popularity extended well beyond the box office. Chart-topping songs, magazine covers, and relentless fan mail were a constant part of his life. His chemistry with actress Hema Malini, who later became his wife, kept him firmly in the public spotlight.
Nicknamed Bollywood’s “original He-Man” and fondly called “Garam Dharam,” Dharmendra was routinely listed among the world’s most handsome men at the peak of his fame. Even fellow actors couldn’t resist praising him. Madhuri Dixit once called him “one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen,” Salman Khan described him as “the most beautiful looking man,” and Jaya Bachchan famously referred to him as “a Greek God.” Dharmendra, however, always deflected such admiration, crediting his appearance to “nature and my parents.”
A Village Boy With Big Dreams
Born Dharam Singh Deol on 8 December 1935 in a Jatt-Sikh household in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, he grew up far from the glamour he would later command. In a 2018 interview with BBC Hindi, he recalled becoming captivated by cinema as a schoolboy.
“I watched my first film in class nine and felt transported,” he said. “It felt like heaven — I wanted to be part of that world.”
His family initially dismissed the idea. His mother reminded him of his responsibilities as the eldest child. But when Filmfare magazine announced an All-India Talent Contest, she allowed him to submit an application just to humour him. To their surprise, he won — and moved to Bombay to chase his dream.
A Star Is Born
Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere. Fame followed soon after with Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963), where his understated performance as a compassionate doctor earned critical acclaim.
He quickly rose to prominence as a romantic lead, starring opposite leading actresses like Nutan, Meena Kumari, Mala Sinha and Saira Banu. His transition to action hero began with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), and it was the 1971 hit Mera Gaon Mera Desh that cemented him as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.
Known for his tall, muscular frame, Dharmendra often performed his own stunts — a rarity in that era. But romance, comedy and thrillers remained equally strong suits; his comic timing in Chupke Chupke (1975) is still celebrated.
A Reel and Real-Life Partnership
Although he shared the screen with around 70 actresses, his pairing with Hema Malini became iconic. They met in 1965, and the connection grew during the making of films such as Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, and Sholay. Their relationship drew intense media attention, particularly because Dharmendra was married at the time to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had children.
Despite family objections and public scrutiny, Dharmendra and Hema Malini married in 1980. Over the years, rumours circulated that they had converted to Islam to wed — allegations Dharmendra later refuted.
The Reluctant Politician
Dharmendra entered politics in 2004, serving one term as a BJP MP from Bikaner. His tenure was widely criticised due to his frequent absences from parliament. Reflecting later on Aap Ki Adalat, he admitted politics wasn’t for him. “Politics is for the thick-skinned,” he said. “Those five years were very difficult.”
A Life Dedicated to Films and Fans
Even in his later years, Dharmendra remained active — appearing in films alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, participating in television shows, and engaging warmly with fans online. In 2024, he celebrated his 89th birthday with his family in Mumbai.
While he delivered countless memorable performances, his role as Veeru in Sholay remains etched deepest in public memory. Fans often refer to him as the “soul of Sholay,” a sentiment he embraced. “I don’t think I have ever done a better role than Veeru,” he once said.
His contributions were formally recognised with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Yet Dharmendra always insisted awards mattered little to him.
“I never chased money or titles,” he said in an interview. “I came here for love — and I received it in abundance.”
Source: BBC
