On November 24, the superstar of Bollywood, Dharmendra, passed away at the age of 89, after suffering from breathing complications. He has left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema — a legacy few actors have achieved. His departure has taken away an era. Personally, I felt like a son to him, always aspiring to emulate his personality. Though I never met him in person, he remained my heartthrob and role model. In my life, I often felt an unspoken connection — as if I were an extension of him.
To sustain prominence in the industry for six decades is a stupendous achievement. His journey from a humble Jat-peasant family in Punjab to becoming a mega star reads like a classic rags-to-riches saga. It is hard to find an adjective powerful enough to capture the manner and extent to which Dharmendra captivated audiences, nor to describe the phenomenal intensity and screen energy that allowed him to explore such multifaceted realms. As the pioneer of the “he-man” image, Dharmendra introduced a new element to Bollywood. His “Greek-God” looks — sculpted, chiselled — evoked the statues of classical art. In his youth, no Bollywood star was more handsome.
But Dharmendra’s persona was more than physicality. He symbolised masculinity — yet fused it with sensitive vulnerability. Few artists in Bollywood conveyed moral conviction with such honesty and straightforwardness, whether in performance or presence. Few made such effective transitions from romantic hero to action star, or carried the mantle of such a vast variety of roles in so short a span of time. He could shift effortlessly from intensity to vulnerability, from seriousness to humour, delivering deeply felt performances as an understated actor. Rarely did an actor radiate energy more powerfully, or switch between extremes — from raw intensity to quiet sensitivity — with such ease.
Time and again, Dharmendra held a film together — setting the ball rolling with urgency, compassion, and authenticity. His acting fused mythic masculinity with human grounding. Over the years, he earned the fitting title of “marathon man,” thanks to spectacular comebacks — notably in 1987 — and to continuing to play lead roles well into his seventies.
Beyond his screen stardom, Dharmendra was known as one of the most affable, lovable personalities in the industry. His behaviour epitomised warmth, dignity, simplicity, humility, generosity, and honesty. Rarely did a star give so much respect to common people, remain so forthright, down-to-earth, or go out of their way to help others. With deep compassion, he cared for technicians and all staff working on-set, never looking down on anyone. His off-screen conduct revealed his transparency and large-heartedness. In many ways, his modesty and humanity stood in contrast to the conventional mannerisms often associated with Bollywood stardom.
When recalling their memories, Javed Akhtar spoke of how dignified Dharmendra was, and of the unmatched love and humility he exuded. Suresh Oberoi and Dilip Tahil praised his impeccable honesty. Mukesh Khanna recalled how he treated co-stars as brothers and encouraged them. Among his peers, many affirmed he was the handsomest actor they had ever seen.
One might question why Dharmendra, despite his immense talent, spent much of his career in commercial films and seldom was cast in more progressive themes like some of his contemporaries — for instance, legends who explored moralistic and idealistic cinema in the 1960s and ’70s. Even so, Dharmendra remained a towering star defined by his unique blend of charisma, vulnerability, and humanity.
In his old age too, there was a touch of grace and a powerful spirit. His sprawling 100-acre farmhouse — surrounded by lush greenery, open fields, and serene walking trails — became his sanctuary. Known for his love for organic farming, Dharmendra grew fruits, vegetables, and even rice on the land. He often shared glimpses of this life: watering plants, plucking mangoes, laughing as he chased ducks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world retreated indoors, he shared videos of tending his fields, feeding his cattle, and harvesting produce with his own hands — a simple, grounded life away from the glare of stardom.
12 Most Memorable Films of Dharmendra
Bandini (1964) — His sensitive, understated performance as an empathetic prisoner is still filled with emotional power. He gives the heroine, Kalyani (Nutan), a space to express herself, to reclaim her identity. His silences are poetic. In Bandini, Dharmendra remains a beautiful example of his capacity for understated emotional intelligence.
- Haqeeqat (1964) — In this grim war movie, set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War in Ladakh, Dharmendra delivers a touching performance as Captain Bahadur Singh — balancing hopelessness and fleeting human connection.
- Anupama (1966) — As Ashok, a reflective poet, Dharmendra becomes the first to genuinely see Uma (Sharmila Tagore), a painfully shy young woman trapped by her father’s emotional distance. His portrayal is marked by softness, warmth, and sensitivity. Ashok brings love and trust into Uma’s emotional void, and Dharmendra conveys this with subtlety and restraint — letting her evolve naturally. His eyes speak volumes.
- Phool Aur Patthar (1966) — The film marked his rise as a full-fledged national star, blending physical command with moral awakening. His evolution from a hardened criminal to a man guided by ethics is gradual and deeply nuanced — a performance built through body language that conveys a powerful transformation. Phool Aur Patthar redefined screen masculinity in Hindi cinema, proving that strength and tenderness can co-exist.
- Satyakam (1969) — In this intense, introspective drama about corruption, idealism, and the price of truth, Dharmendra gives one of the most layered performances by a mainstream Hindi film star ever. As Satyapriya, he embodies stillness, truth, and selflessness — the disillusionment of a man carrying the torch of morality in a corrupt world. His portrayal is internal, pure, unwavering.
- Guddi (1972) — One of his most socially relevant roles, this film sheds the star image to reveal the man behind it. Dharmendra exposes the glamour-ridden illusions of stardom with grace and composure. Few major stars have ever surrendered their image on screen so effortlessly.
- Yaddein Ki Baarat (1973) — After witnessing their parents’ murder, three orphaned brothers are separated and only reunited by a lullaby from their childhood. Dharmendra plays Shankar, the eldest, who becomes a ruthless criminal haunted by memories. Years later, he inadvertently reunites with his younger siblings — a romantic drifter and a budding singer — unaware of their kinship. In full throttle, Dharmendra personifies vengeance and machismo in a role that few have dared.
- Pratigya (1975) — In Pratigya, Dharmendra embodies righteous vengeance with characteristic flair. The film showcases his tonal duality — blending comedy, intensity, and romance — as he transforms from a humble village truck driver into a crusader against injustice.
- Chupke Chupke (1975) — In this comedic classic about a professor posing as a driver to trick his brother-in-law, Dharmendra delivers a flawless performance. His comic timing and delivery reflect the skill of a seasoned stage actor, bringing dialogue-driven humour to life.
- Sholay (1975) — Perhaps his most iconic role, Dharmendra effortlessly blends genres — vengeance, romance, comedy, mischief — carrying India’s biggest cult classic on his shoulders as Veeru. Alongside Jai (played by his co-star), they were hired by a retired police officer to apprehend the dacoit Gabbar Singh. Even as a rogue, Veeru is layered — Dharmendra subtly conveys that beneath the bravado lies shades of morality.
- Ghulami (1984) — In this epic film by J. P. Dutta, Dharmendra plays Ranjit Singh — a man who, after leaving his village due to systemic feudal evils, returns to avenge his father’s death and fight feudal oppression and social injustice. As a revolutionary hero waging battle against caste discrimination and tyranny, his performance is powerful, intense, and uncompromising. His virtuosity and spirit shine through in this stirring portrayal.
Each of these films, among many others, stands testament to the extraordinary range, emotional depth, and lasting impact of Dharmendra — both as an actor and as a human being.
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*Freelance journalist
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