Dharmendra’s Yaadon ki Baarat: The Sholay icon, the Dharam-Veer, the He-Man India loved
His death came just weeks before what would have been his 90th birthday on December 8, marking the end of a remarkable journey that shaped generations of Indian film lovers. The actor, who has been known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ for decades, had fallen ill in recent weeks and was taken to Breach Candy Hospital on November 10 following the deterioration in his health.
A big name in Indian cinema and loved by generations, Dharmendra left an indelible mark on the big screen with his rugged good looks, humorous timing and emotional depth. Widely known as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood and affectionately referred to as ‘Dharam Paaji’ by his colleagues and fans, his six-decade career spanned iconic films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar and Seeta Aur Geeta.
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But Dharmendra’s journey was not limited to celluloid. He entered the political arena in 2004 as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and won the Lok Sabha seat from Bikaner, Rajasthan; this was a symbolic but controversial task marked by limited parliamentary participation and critical comments. He left politics after a while, and later admitted that he found political life emotionally exhausting and that it did not suit his personality.
An epic journey shaped by talent, courage and charm
Born Dharam Singh Deol in Phagwara, Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra spent his early years in Sahnewal, followed by Lalton Kalan Government High School and later completed his education at Ramgarhia College, Phagwara. His early life was modest and far from the movie stardom that awaited him. Making his debut with the film ‘Dil bhi tera, hum bhi tere’, ‘Dharam paaji’ made his presence felt with films like Phool Aur Patthar (1966), establishing himself as a bankable star from the mid-1960s onwards. This was followed by a fruitful run throughout the 1970s and 80s with films like Raja Jani, Loafer, Jugnu, Sita Aur Geeta, Pratiggya and Dharam-Veer.
Also Read: Dharmendra’s net worth – ‘He-Man’ received only Rs 51 crore for his debut film but left behind property worth billions
While his comic timing in Chupke Chupke (1975) remains unmatched, his portrayal of Veeru in Sholay (1975) has become an all-time classic and is permanently etched in India’s cultural memory.
Dharmendra and Asha Parekh performed some of the most memorable hits of the era, including Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Samadhi, Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Shikhar.
An evergreen romantic hero
In the 60s and 70s, he emerged as the romantic superstar of Bollywood with films like Aaye Milan Ki Bela, Anupama, Aas Paas, Pyar Hi Pyar, Blackmail, Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Jeevan Mrityu and Aap Ki Parchhaiyan.
Even decades later, his romantic aura remained intact; She was beautifully revived in Life in a… Metro (2007) and more recently in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), where her performance evokes both nostalgia and admiration.
A career that continued into his late 80s
Despite being 89 years old, Dharmendra remained active and disciplined. He last played Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather in the 2024 movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Before this, her role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani received critical acclaim.
His new film Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda, is scheduled to release next month. The film will now be released after his death.
Dharmendra was also a popular figure on social media; He shared exercise clips and personal messages, endearing him to young viewers.
Dharmendra’s political residence
In 2004, Dharmendra joined the BJP and won the Lok Sabha election from Bikaner, Rajasthan, and served as a Member of Parliament until 2009.
His entry into politics came at a time when the BJP’s “Shining India” rhetoric was at its peak.
However, his tenure was criticized for his minimal involvement in parliament, with reports stating that he preferred his film work and personal commitments to legislative duties.
Dharmendra expressed a strong sense of patriotism despite his limited involvement in politics. In 2019, he supported his son Sunny Deol’s political ambitions, saying: “Patriotism is in our blood… You can go and see what I have done in Bikaner, Sunny… he will also serve the nation.”
Looking back on his political journey, he reportedly admitted that the role of politics did not suit him: “Kaam main karta tha, Credit koi aur le jaata tha… Maybe it wasn’t for me.”
Recognition and honor
Dharmendra received four Filmfare Best Actor nominations and was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. In 2012, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan award for his contribution to Indian cinema.
He is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; second wife and actress Hema Malini; sons Sunny and Bobby Deol; daughters Vijeta and Ajeita; and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.
Dharmendra leaves behind more than a series of works; It leaves an emotional bond with millions of people. His journey from a small town boy in Punjab to one of the most famous stars of Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations.
With his passing, Indian cinema bids farewell to a legend whose warmth, humility and indomitable spirit will remain unmatched.
