Dharmendra

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol (8 December 1935 – 24 November 2025), known mononymously as Dharmendra, is a renowned Indian actor, producer, and politician, celebrated for his significant contribution to Hindi cinema. Hailed as one of Indian cinema’s most iconic, handsome, and commercially successful film stars, Dharmendra earned the sobriquet “He-Man” of Bollywood. Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades and over 300 films, he set the record for the highest number of box office hits in Hindi cinema. Notably, in 1973, he scored eight box office successes, and in 1987, achieved seven consecutive hits and nine successful releases in a single year—a record that remains unbroken. In recognition of his artistic and cultural impact, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012. Born into a Punjabi Jat family in the village of Dangon, near Ludhiana, to Kewal Krishan and Satwant Kaur, Dharmendra spent his formative years in Sahnewal. He attended Government Senior Secondary School at Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where his father served as headmaster, and completed his matriculation in Phagwara in 1952 when Punjab’s schools were under Panjab University, Chandigarh.After winning Filmfare magazine’s nationwide talent search, Dharmendra relocated to Mumbai. Although his initial project never materialized, he made his film debut in 1960 with Arjun Hingorani’s Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, which initially went unnoticed. His commercial breakthrough arrived with Ramesh Saigal’s Shola Aur Shabnam (1961), followed by celebrated roles in Anpadh (1962) and the acclaimed Bandini (1963). His major breakthrough emerged in 1964 with Ayee Milan Ki Bela earning him a Filmfare nomination, and that same year, he starred in the acclaimed war drama Haqeeqat.Dharmendra delivered remarkable performances throughout the 1970s, forming a successful on-screen partnership with Hema Malini and starring in films such as Jeevan Mrityu (1970), Tum Haseen Main Jawan (1970), and Sharafat (1970). He is also remembered for his chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan in classics like Chupke Chupke and Sholay, both released in 1975.Married first to Prakash Kaur in 1954, Dharmendra is the father of actors Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeeta. His later marriage to Hema Malini, amidst much public scrutiny, produced two daughters, Esha, and Ahana. The family, rooted in Arya Samaj traditions, has continued to contribute to Indian cinema for generations.Residing primarily at his Lonavala farmhouse, while his family lives in Juhu, Mumbai, Dharmendra has voiced concerns about Bollywood’s recognition of the Deol family’s legacy. The recipient of the 1997 Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, he also served as a BJP Member of Parliament for Bikaner in Rajasthan.Since the late 1990s, Dharmendra has excelled in character roles in acclaimed films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Life in a... Metro (2007), and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), reaffirming his enduring presence and influence in Indian cinema.