Om ji, perhaps you have never seen yourself smiling. Dharmendra was one of the most handsome actors of his time, and women across the world admired his personality. He was the role model of millions of young men. Whether it was comedy or serious roles, Dharmendra performed every character with sincerity, and lines like “Masoom bachche tumhe sadkon par thokey khaate milenge” became examples of his brilliant acting.

A glance to understand Dharmendra’s story

Dharmendra’s Story

Birth and Family

Dharmendra was born in Nasrali, a village in Ludhiana district of Punjab. His full name is Dharmendra Singh Deol. His father, Kewal Singh, was a schoolmaster and his mother, Satwant Kaur, was a housewife. His family belonged to a Jatt Sikh background. After his birth, the family moved to Sahnewal. He studied in a government school where his father himself was a teacher—and also the one who scolded him the most.

Childhood Dreams and Passion for Films

Dharmendra was not interested in studies. He wanted to become a film star. He often skipped classes to watch movies. He loved the film Dilli Ka Thakur so much that he watched it about 40 times. Although his father scolded him frequently, his mother always supported him like a friend. Dharmendra said, “I don’t want to study, I want to work in films.”

Job, Marriage, and First Steps

After leaving studies, his father became worried about his future. Dharmendra got a clerk’s job in the Railways with a salary of ₹125 per month. At the age of 19, he married Prakash Kaur. But his dream of films remained alive. His mother encouraged him to write an application to pursue acting—and that idea stayed with him.

Filmfare Talent Hunt and Journey to Mumbai

Dharmendra saw an advertisement by Filmfare stating that Bimal Roy and Guru Dutt were searching for new talent. He went to Malerkotla, got his photos clicked by Jan Mohammad, and sent the application. A few days later, he was selected and arrived in Mumbai. Although Filmfare couldn’t make the promised film, many directors noticed him.

First Film and Struggles

In 1960, he got a chance in Arjun Hingorani’s film Dil Bhi Tere Hum Bhi Tere. The film didn’t do well, but Dharmendra continued working hard. Manoj Kumar became his close friend. In 1962, Anpadh changed the course of his career. Films like Bandini, Begana, and Mera Kasoor Kya Hai also showcased his talent.

Rise of the Action Hero

In 1966, Phool Aur Patthar released and Dharmendra emerged as a leading action hero. He performed his own stunts. In 1976, he even did a fight scene with a real tiger. Audiences loved his strong action and romantic roles.

Brilliant Acting

In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Satyakam, his performance amazed everyone. Even smaller roles in films like Mera Naam Joker and Khamoshi were memorable because of his depth and expression.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini

Dharmendra and Hema Malini worked together in 28 films—Sholay, Jugnu, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Rani, Pratiggya—and became a superhit pair. They fell in love, but Dharmendra was already married. In 1980, they converted religion and got married, leading to controversy, which later settled with time.

Family and Film Legacy

Through Vijayta Films, Dharmendra launched his son Sunny Deol in Betaab. Later he launched Bobby Deol in Barsaat. He also helped his nephew Abhay Deol enter films. He introduced his daughters Esha and Ahana Deol to cinema as well.

Political Journey

He contested the Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner on a BJP ticket and won. However, he later distanced himself from politics, while Hema Malini and Sunny Deol remained active.

Honors and Present Life

Despite his long career, Dharmendra didn’t receive major awards for many years. His son Sunny’s film Ghayal won a National Award. In 2012, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan.

Even today, at over 85 years of age, Dharmendra remains active, spending time at his farmhouse and staying connected with fans through social media. His contribution to Hindi cinema is unforgettable.