Legendary actor Dharmendra, who died on Monday at the age of 89, has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for more than six decades, enthralling audiences with his charm, versatility and unforgettable performances. With a career marked by iconic roles, intense action sequences and heart-touching romances, Dharmendra has carved a niche for himself as one of the greatest stalwarts of Bollywood.
With over 300 films to his credit, Dharmendra has cemented his position as a film icon. His journey remains a testament to his enduring talent and dedication. What is noteworthy is that he was never confined to one genre and achieved a balanced mass appeal by playing different roles in romance, action, comedy and social drama, which helped him become one of the most commercially successful film actors in the history of Indian cinema.
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Dharmendra’s romantic hero image in the 1960s and early 1970s with his dashing looks, charming smile and soulful eyes enthralled audiences across India. His romantic roles in films like ‘Aayi Milan Ki Bela’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Neela Aakash’, ‘Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya’, ‘Mohabbat Zindagi Hai’, ‘Pyaar Hi Pyaar’ and ‘Mamta’ showcased his versatility as a leading man who effortlessly conveys longing and tenderness. Over the years, Dharmendra’s filmography has grown to include iconic blockbusters like ‘Sholay’, ‘Raja Jani’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Kahani Kismat Ki’, ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’, ‘Charas’, ‘Azaad’ and ‘Dillagi’, showcasing his incredible range and versatility as an actor.
As one of the greatest action stars of the 1970s and 1980s, Dharmendra gave unforgettable performances in films like ‘Dharam Veer’, ‘Gundagardi’, ‘Loafer, Jugnu’ and of course the iconic Sholay.
From his debut in the 1960s romantic drama ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ to his recent appearances in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ and ‘Teri Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, Dharmendra has consistently won the hearts of the audience with his remarkable performances transcending the barriers of time and age.
Let’s revisit some of his most iconic films that made him the heartthrob of millions.
the time of meeting has come
After working in films like ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, ‘Anpadh’ and Bimal Roy’s ‘Bandini’, Mohan Kumar’s directorial venture ‘Aai Milan Ki Bela’, also starring Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu, proved to be a notable film in Dharmendra’s career as the audience appreciated his performance and earned him a nomination at the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category. His character in the film is of gray shade, which makes it unique and different.
Read this also Dharmendra Net Worth: How much fame the veteran actor has achieved in Bollywood in six decades
spring days have come
Another milestone in his career was the film ‘Aaye Din Bahar Ke’, in which he was paired with Asha Parekh. The film was a box office success due to its soulful music, beautiful cinematography and a compelling blend of romance and melodrama. The chemistry between Dharmendra and Asha Parekh in the film ‘Aaye Din Bahaar Ke’ won the hearts of the audience and cemented his image as a versatile, charming romantic hero.
Anupama
In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s heart-touching drama ‘Anupama’, Dharmendra plays the role of Ashok, a sensitive school teacher with a poetic soul. The film’s subtle exploration of relationships and self-discovery is elevated by Dharmendra’s excellent portrayal, which perfectly balances the strength and vulnerability of the character. His sensitive portrayal as a poet reflects his versatility as an actor. The film, starring Sharmila Tagore, Shashikala, Deven Verma and Surekha Pandit, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Here monsoon comes swinging
Who can forget the romantic chemistry of Dharmendra and Asha Parekh in Raghunath Jhalani’s ‘Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke’. The film was loved for its hit pairings, and its soundtrack composed by the Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo with lyrics by Anand Bakshi was a big musical hit. Songs such as “Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke,” “O Majhi Chal,” and “Saathiya Nahi Jaana Ki Jee Na Laage” became evergreen classics and significantly contributed to the film’s enduring appeal.
flowers and stones
Directed and produced by OP Ralhan, it marked an important milestone in Dharmendra’s career and became one of the biggest box-office hits of its year. Starring Meena Kumari opposite Dharmendra, the romantic drama earned praise for the pair’s irresistible on-screen chemistry, which later led to their collaboration in films like Chandan Ka Palan, Majhli Didi and Baharon Ki Manzil. The success of the film not only established Dharmendra as a leading figure in Hindi cinema, but also made him the second Indian actor after Raj Kapoor to achieve extraordinary popularity in the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countries.
spring will still come
This is another iconic film from Dharmendra, with a touching love triangle story and soulful music by OP Nayyar. His remarkable acting was complimented by the strong screen presence of Mala Sinha and Tanuja. It also stars Rahman, Deven Verma and Johnny Walker in supporting roles.
cinder
This cult classic, directed by Ramesh Sippy, is considered one of the greatest Indian films of all time. Along with Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai, Dharmendra’s character of Veeru is unforgettable. From his romantic chemistry with Basanti played by Hema Malini to his friendship with Jai, everything about Veeru makes it a special character and it remains one of the late star’s most iconic films.
true work
As the lead protagonist, Dharmendra played the character of Satyapriya Acharya, a highly principled man who marries a sexual assault victim. As the film progresses, he struggles to live up to his principles in real life. ‘Satyakaam’ is still counted among his best works in Hindi cinema. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.
Dharam Veer
A quintessential fantasy adventure film of the 70s, Dharam Veer was a blend of melodrama, mythology and swashbuckling action and Dharmendra carried the film with heroic ease. His friendship with Jeetendra is one of the strongest elements of the film. It is one of those films that audiences still rewatch for the action sequences and grand scale spectacle.
quietly quietly
Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975) is a standout film from Dharmendra’s illustrious career, showcasing his impeccable comic timing and versatility as an actor. His portrayal of Botany expert Professor Parimal Tripathi, who poses as a driver, is a masterclass in comedy. His subtle expressions, body language and dialogue delivery add humor to the film. His on-screen chemistry with co-stars Sharmila Tagore and Amitabh Bachchan is undeniable, making their interactions seem natural and effortless.
firefly
This is a standout film in Dharmendra’s career, showcasing his action-packed personality and emotional depth. ‘Jugnu’ showcases his signature style, with his action sequences and stunts adding to the excitement of the film. This is a must watch for anyone who appreciates action, drama and romance, with Dharmendra’s performance being the highlight of the film.
Dharmendra’s legacy extends beyond his films to inspiring generations of actors and fans. He will always be remembered as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, a true legend who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.