Dharmendra: The Happy Note “He-Man” of Bollywood

• Sholay, Do Chor, Phool Aur Pathar are popular one
• Film lovers paying tributes to the “Veeru”

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai home at the age of 89 on Monday. The beloved actor, often celebrated as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” had recently been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to respiratory issues. Dharmendra leaves behind a remarkable cinematic legacy spanning over six decades.

Dharmendra Singh Deol, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, carved out an extraordinary career spanning over six decades and encompassing more than 300 films. This enduring moniker was earned by his fans due to his powerful on-screen persona, rugged good looks, and dominant action hero image. Remarkably, almost all of his films, save for a handful, ended with a happy note, contributing to his mass appeal as a quintessential heroic figure. Dharmendra’s fans used to compare him as Hollywood actor John Saxon.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom

Dharmendra’s cinematic journey commenced with the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, directed by Arjun Hingorani. His initial years saw him excel in romantic and dramatic roles, establishing a strong foundation. A significant breakthrough came with the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar, which firmly cemented his status as a leading actor in Hindi cinema and showcased his potential for action roles. The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a pivotal phase where Dharmendra began diversifying his repertoire. He successfully tackled a variety of genres, including thrillers, high-octane action films, and even challenging dual roles, as seen in hits like Ankhen (1968) and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971). This versatility demonstrated his range beyond the romantic hero mould.

The Iconic Veeru and Box Office Dominance

The zenith of his career includes one of Hindi cinema’s most recognizable and beloved characters: Veeru from the 1975 blockbuster Sholay. Playing the witty and daring anti-hero alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s “Jai,” Dharmendra delivered a performance that became instantly legendary. Sholay is universally regarded as one of Bollywood’s most influential and commercially successful films, a cultural phenomenon that defined the era.
Dharmendra was also known for his unprecedented success rate at the box office. He holds remarkable, albeit widely claimed, records in Hindi cinema for delivering a staggering number of commercial hits. For instance, it’s reported that he achieved eight hit films in 1973. Later, in 1987, he reportedly delivered seven consecutive hits and a total of nine successful films within that year, a testament to his immense star power and audience loyalty during the 70s and 80s. He continued to be a powerhouse star during this period with massive commercial successes such as Dharam Veer (1977), The Burning Train (1980), and Hukumat (1987).

Later Career and Successful Transformation

As the film industry evolved and the 1990s progressed, Dharmendra’s career as a solo leading man naturally began to slow down, a common transition for many prominent actors of his generation. However, he successfully adapted, pivoting gracefully into character and supporting roles, demonstrating his commitment to acting rather than just stardom.

In the 2000s and beyond, he re-emerged in high-profile supporting and ensemble cast roles, lending gravitas to modern films. Notable performances include Life in a…Metro (2007) and the critically acclaimed neo-noir thriller Johnny Gaddaar (2007). He also starred in the popular comedy-drama franchise Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), where he shared the screen with his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. This later phase solidified his status as a respected veteran, proving his enduring appeal across generations and cementing his legacy as one of Bollywood’s most enduring and charismatic stars.

Vidyasagar Chaturvedula

Principle Correspondent, Prime Post

Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.