Dharmendra turns 89 today, on December 8, 2024, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible journey of Bollywood’s “He-Man.” From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic stars in Indian cinema, his life is full of fascinating stories.
Born as Dharam Singh Deol in Sahnewal, Punjab, Dharmendra’s early life was marked by dreams of joining the Indian Air Force. However, due to financial constraints, those dreams didn’t materialize. Little did he know, his destiny lay elsewhere, and Bollywood came calling.
In 1958, he won the Filmfare New Talent Hunt Award, which opened the door to his film debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960. The salary for that first role was ₹51 — a humble beginning for a man who would go on to become one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.
Dharmendra’s career is marked by a stunning versatility. Known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, he played everything from action-packed heroes to romantic leads. His role in Sholay (1975), where he portrayed the charismatic Veeru opposite Amitabh Bachchan, remains one of the most iconic performances in film history. It was in this film that he truly earned his nickname “Garam Dharam,” thanks to his tough yet lovable on-screen persona.
It’s often surprising to learn that Dharmendra was once offered a role in Hollywood, but he turned it down, preferring to stay loyal to the Indian film industry. His connection to Bollywood was a part of his identity.
On the personal front, Dharmendra’s love story with actress Hema Malini has been widely celebrated.
Although he was already married to Prakash Kaur, he chose to marry Hema in 1980, rumours speculated that Dharmendra had converted to Islam to do so. However, he has openly clarified that these rumors are false.
Aside from his acting, Dharmendra has also made a significant mark as a producer, launching both of his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, in films like Betaab (1983) and Barsaat (1995). The Deol family’s legacy in Bollywood can be traced back to Dharmendra’s vision and efforts in building a career for his children.
Though he is best known for his larger-than-life image on screen, Dharmendra is also a poet. He has penned numerous poems in both Punjabi and Hindi, a side of him that few are aware of. Away from the limelight, Dharmendra enjoys the simple life of a farmer. He spends time on his farm in Lonavala, where he grows vegetables and fruits.
And as he turns 89, he continues to be an inspiration for all of us. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the legend!
