Dharmendra’s most iconic dialogues: Dharmendra, fondly remembered as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, who has died aged 89, ruled Hindi cinema in the 60s, 70s and 80s with a unique blend of charm, vulnerability and strong masculinity. Be it the romantic poet, the fearless hero, or the soft-spoken lover, Dharmendra delivered every line with such sincerity that it became unforgettable.
Over the decades, he gave Hindi cinema some of the most enduring dialogues, moments that fans still quote, cherish and celebrate today. As India mourns his demise, we revisit the lines that will forever preserve the magic of his voice.
“Basanti, don’t dance in front of dogs” – Sholay (1975)
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One of Bollywood’s most quoted lines, this iconic appeal by Dharmendra to Hema Malini in Sholay has become a cultural milestone. Captured by Gabbar Singh’s men, Dharmendra’s character tries to protect Basanti’s dignity by mixing romance, defiance and heroism in an unforgettable moment.
“Uma ji! Perhaps you have never seen yourself in a hurry…” – Anupama (1966)
In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anupama, Dharmendra plays Ashok, a gentle poet who helps shy Uma (Sharmila Tagore) rediscover her confidence. This tender dialogue is one of his most moving lines – tender, sensitive and impossibly romantic.
“Thakur, have you ever talked to the land, this land is our mother” – Ghulami (1985)
A powerful reminder of India’s agricultural backbone, this dialogue captures Dharmendra’s fiery performance as a revolutionary fighting for oppressed farmers in Rajasthan. It is one of the strongest cinematic tributes to the dignity of the farmer.
“Dog bastard, I will drink your blood” – Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
If any line defined Dharmendra’s action-hero persona, it was this one. Delivered with full intensity in Nasir Hussain’s multi-genre entertainer, the dialogue became a model for countless Bollywood threats.
“When I die, the police is coming…the old lady is going to jail…the old lady is peeing in the mill…” – Sholay
In one of Sholay’s funniest scenes, a drunk Dharmendra babbles through this hilarious monologue, accusing an old woman of creating trouble between him and Basanti. Charm, humour, timing – classic Dharmendra.
From punchy one-liners to soft-spoken romantic confessions, Dharmendra didn’t just read the dialogues – he owned them. His voice, intensity and presence made every line cinema history. As fans revisit his great work, these dialogues serve as a timeless reminder of a star the world will never forget.
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