Dharmendra Deol

Biography

Dharmendra (8 December 1935 – 24 November 2025) was an iconic Indian actor, producer, and politician, best known for his immense contribution to Hindi cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest and most commercially successful actors in Indian film history, his career spanned an extraordinary 65 years, during which he appeared in over 300 films and set a record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

Born in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra made his film debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He rose to prominence in the mid-1960s with successful romantic films such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke. As his career progressed, he became a major box-office force and earned the title of India’s “He-Man” for his powerful action-oriented roles.

From the late 1960s through the 1980s, Dharmendra dominated Hindi cinema with a string of major successes, including Ankhen, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Sholay, Pratiggya, Dharam Veer, Ghulami, Hukumat, and Tahalka. Alongside commercial entertainers, he delivered critically acclaimed performances in films such as Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, The Burning Train, and Ghazab, demonstratinga remarkable range across genres.

From the late 1990s onward, he transitioned into character roles, earning appreciation for his performances in films like Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. His enduring relevance across generations underscored his lasting appeal.

Beyond cinema, Dharmendra also served as a Member of Parliament, representing the Bikaner constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha. He was the patriarch of the prominent Deol family, and his personal life—particularly his marriages to Prakash Kaur and actress Hema Malini—attracted wide public interest. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian arts and cinema, he received numerous honors, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.