The ‘He Man’

Dharmendra ( 8 December 1935- 24 November 2025 ) was an Indian actor, producer & politician. Well known for his several roles in Hindi films. Widely recognized as one of the greatest, most commercially successful & best looking film stars of Indian cinema.

In a career spanning 65 years, he worked in over 330 films, holding the record of starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

He made his debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ with Balraj Sahni, Kumkum, Usha Kiran. He saw his first commercial success in 1961 with ‘Shola & Shabnam’ with Tarla Mehta & Vijayalaxmi.

‘Anpadh’ in 1962 & Bimal Roy ‘s ‘Bandini’ 1963 won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

In 1975 he appeared in ‘Chupke Chupke’ which became a hit. Then Ramesh Sippy ‘s actioner ‘Sholay’ was released. Released on 15 August 1975, it saw poor financial returns for two weeks. But soon it became an ‘overnight sensation’.

It recorded an estimated 15-18 crore footfalls, making it the highest grossing Indian film in terms of audience attendance to date. It gained a status of a cult film.

Dharmendra was the one who suggested Amitabh ‘s name. His co -star from ‘Chupke Chupke’. A warm hearted, gentle human being.

In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award . He became emotional & remarked that he had never won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor despite working in so many successful films.

Dilip Kumar who presented the award with his wife , Saira Banu, commented , ‘Whenever I get to meet God Almighty, I will set before him my only complaint – why did you not make me as handsome as Dharmendra ?’

Since 1990s he appeared in character roles. The war drama ‘Ikkis 2025 was the final film of his career. But he passed away before the release of the film.

‘Guddi’ had Dharmendra as Dharmendra. The protagonist has a crush on him. His screen persona. Finally when she breaks free & accepts a partner in real life, her chacha says, ‘Jay Dharmendra!’ looking up at the sky.

We are actually looking up to cherish his memory, forever.