Dharmendra: The Legendary Bollywood Actor who Stole Hearts on and off Screen

Dharmendra is a legendary actor in the Indian film industry, commonly known as Bollywood. He has been a part of the industry for over six decades and has acted in over 300 films. He is not only a renowned actor but also a successful producer, director, and politician. Dharmendra’s charismatic personality, excellent acting skills, and charming looks have made him a household name in India.

Dharmendra was born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab, India. His birth name is Dharam Singh Deol. He spent his childhood in the village of Sahnewal and attended school in Ludhiana. He had a passion for acting from a young age, which led him to move to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue his dream.

Dharmendra’s journey in the film industry started in 1960 with the film “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.” However, it was his role in the film “Phool Aur Patthar” (1966) that catapulted him to stardom. The film was a huge commercial success, and Dharmendra’s performance was critically acclaimed. He went on to deliver many hits in the following years, such as “Sholay” (1975), “Chupke Chupke” (1975), “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (1973), and “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977).

Dharmendra’s acting skills were not limited to just serious roles. He was also known for his comic timing, which he displayed in films such as “Chupke Chupke” and “Sholay.” He has also acted in romantic films like “Satyakam” (1969) and “Chupke Chupke,” where he showcased his romantic side. He had a unique ability to make his characters come to life on the screen, which made him a favourite among audiences.

In addition to his acting career, Dharmendra has also been successful as a producer and director. He produced films like “Ghayal” (1990) and “Apne” (2007), which were critically acclaimed and commercially successful. He also directed the film “Dillagi” (1978), which starred him and his wife, Hema Malini.

Dharmendra’s personal life has also been a topic of interest for his fans. He fell in love with Hema Malini, one of Bollywood’s leading actresses, during the filming of “Sholay.” However, Hema was already married at the time, and it took Dharmendra several years to convince her to marry him. They eventually got married in 1980 and have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Dharmendra’s popularity has not been limited to just India. He has a huge fan following in other countries as well, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His films have been dubbed into several languages and have been popular in other parts of the world as well.

In addition to his successful career in the film industry, Dharmendra has also had a successful stint in politics. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and was elected as a member of parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan, in the same year. He was re-elected from the same constituency in 2009.

Dharmendra has been recognized for his contributions to Indian cinema with several awards and honors. He has won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2012. He was also honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award.

The list of films Dharmendra has acted in: