Dharmendra: The He-Man Who Stole Bollywood’s Heart – Full Life Story, Family & 300+ Films
🏡 Early Life & Family Background
Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol was born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village, Ludhiana district, Punjab (British India).
He belonged to a Punjabi Jat Sikh family. His father, Kewal Krishan Singh Deol, was a headmaster, and his mother Satwant Kaur was a homemaker.
He studied at Government Senior Secondary School, Lalton Kalan, and later completed his matriculation from Ramgarhia College, Phagwara. Even in his youth, he was drawn to films, often mentioning his fascination with Dilip Kumar and Suraiya.
❤️ Personal Life
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954 and has four children with her — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and two daughters Vijeta and Ajeeta.
In 1980, he married Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters — Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
He is the patriarch of the Deol family, one of Bollywood’s most beloved film dynasties.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol |
| Popular Name | Dharmendra, Garam Dharam, He-Man of Bollywood |
| Date of Birth | 8 December 1935 |
| Age (2025) | 89 years |
| Birthplace | Nasrali Village, Ludhiana, Punjab, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Politician |
| Father’s Name | Kewal Krishan Singh Deol (School Headmaster) |
| Mother’s Name | Satwant Kaur Deol |
| Siblings | One brother – Ajit Singh Deol (actor) |
| Education | Matriculation from Ramgarhia College, Phagwara |
| Debut Film | Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) |
| First Wife | Prakash Kaur (Married 1954) |
| Children (with Prakash Kaur) | Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, Ajeeta |
| Second Wife | Hema Malini (Married 1980) |
| Children (with Hema Malini) | Esha Deol, Ahana Deol |
| Grandchildren | Karan Deol, Rajveer Deol, Radhya Takhtani, Miraya Takhtani |
| Residence | Mumbai & Lonavala Farmhouse |
| Political Affiliation | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| MP Tenure | 2004–2009 (Bikaner, Rajasthan) |
| Production House | Vijayta Films |
| Hobbies | Farming, Writing Poetry, Traveling, Watching Old Films |
| Known For | Handsome looks, emotional acting, action roles, humility |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹450–500 Crores (as of 2025) |
🎥 Entry into Films
Dharmendra’s film journey began after he won the Filmfare New Talent Award (1958).
He moved to Mumbai and debuted in “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” (1960) directed by Arjun Hingorani.
He struggled initially but soon gained recognition for his striking looks and emotional acting.
🎞️ Filmography Summary (Statistics)
| Category | Number / Details |
|---|---|
| Total Films | 300+ |
| Lead Roles | Over 250 |
| Years Active | 1960 – Present (65+ Years) |
| Languages Worked In | Primarily Hindi, few Punjabi films |
| Genres Covered | Action, Comedy, Romance, Drama, Family, Patriotism |
| Collaborations | Hema Malini, Meena Kumari, Sharmila Tagore, Rekha, Jaya Bhaduri, Amitabh Bachchan |
| Most Iconic Role | Veeru in Sholay (1975) |
| Longest Collaborator Director | Arjun Hingorani (6 films together) |
🎬 Dharmendra — Major Films by Decade
| Decade | Notable Films | Remarks / Genre |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, Anpadh, Bandini, Phool Aur Patthar, Anupama, Izzat, Aankhen | Rise to fame; romantic & emotional hero; breakthrough with Phool Aur Patthar |
| 1970s | Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Chupke Chupke, Sholay, Dream Girl, Dharam Veer, Pratigya | Golden Era; established as superstar; action + comedy + romance |
| 1980s | The Burning Train, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, Rajput, Betaab (Producer), Ghulami, Aandhi-Toofan, Hukumat, Loha | Dominated as “He-Man”; major action roles; launched Sunny Deol |
| 1990s | Kroadh, Farishtay, Kshatriya, Policewala Gunda, Lohpurush | Transition period; veteran roles in multi-starrer films |
| 2000s | Indian, 23rd March 1931: Shaheed, Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar | Reinvention phase; emotional and character-driven roles |
| 2010s | Yamla Pagla Deewana (trilogy), Double Di Trouble | Family comedies with sons; continued popularity |
| 2020s | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) | Critically acclaimed performance; graceful comeback |
| Upcoming | Untitled family drama (in talks) | Expected cameo appearances in Deol family productions |
🌟 Complete Filmography Overview
Below is an expanded list of some of Dharmendra’s most notable films, arranged by decade.
🎞️ 1960s – The Rise of a Star
Dharmendra acted in over 40 films during this decade.
- Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) – Debut
- Boy Friend (1961)
- Anpadh (1962) – Opposite Mala Sinha
- Bandini (1963) – Supporting role, directed by Bimal Roy
- Soorat Aur Seerat (1963)
- Aayi Milan Ki Bela (1964)
- Pooja Ke Phool (1964)
- Haqeeqat (1964) – Based on the Sino-Indian war
- Kaajal (1965)
- Phool Aur Patthar (1966) – Breakthrough film
- Devar (1966)
- Anupama (1966) – Sensitive romantic drama
- Majhli Didi (1967)
- Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1967)
- Man Jhukega Nahin (1968)
- Aankhen (1968) – Spy thriller
- Shikar (1968)
- Izzat (1968)
- Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968)
- Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969)
By the end of the 1960s, Dharmendra was among the top three stars in Hindi cinema.
🦸♂️ 1970s – The Golden Era
This decade made him a superstar, with action, romance, and comedy combined.
- Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)
- Tere Mere Sapne (1971)
- Resham Ki Dori (1974)
- Raja Jani (1972)
- Jugnu (1973) – Superhit action film
- Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) – Musical blockbuster
- Patthar Aur Payal (1974)
- Chupke Chupke (1975) – Classic Hrishikesh Mukherjee comedy
- Sholay (1975) – Legendary role as “Veeru”
- Pratigya (1975)
- Dharam Veer (1977) – Historical adventure
- Charas (1976)
- Dream Girl (1977)
- Chacha Bhatija (1977)
- Phandebaaz (1978)
- Shalimar (1978)
- Kartavya (1979)
By the late 1970s, Dharmendra was known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, admired for his physique and screen presence.
💪 1980s – The Action Icon
Dharmendra shifted toward action and family dramas while continuing his dominance.
- Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980)
- The Burning Train (1980)
- Ram Balram (1980)
- Professor Pyarelal (1981)
- Naseeb (1981)
- Rajput (1982)
- Baghavat (1982)
- Main Intequam Loonga (1982)
- Betaab (1983) – Producer (launch of Sunny Deol)
- Naukar Biwi Ka (1983)
- Raaj Tilak (1984)
- Ghulami (1985)
- Aandhi-Toofan (1985)
- Loha (1987)
- Hukumat (1987) – Major box office success
- Watan Ke Rakhwale (1987)
- Patthar Aur Payal (1989)
🎭 1990s – The Veteran Years
Dharmendra began taking on fewer but significant roles.
- Kroadh (1990)
- Farishtay (1991)
- Paap Ki Duniya (1988, re-released in early ’90s)
- Kshatriya (1993)
- Policewala Gunda (1995)
- Maa (1991)
- Lohpurush (1999)
🕊️ 2000s – Reinvention & Cameos
Dharmendra gracefully transitioned into mature character roles.
- Indian (2001)
- 23rd March 1931: Shaheed (2002) – As Chandrashekhar Azad
- Life in a… Metro (2007) – Critically acclaimed performance
- Apne (2007) – Emotional father role with Sunny & Bobby
- Johnny Gaddaar (2007)
- Tell Me O Kkhuda (2011)
🎬 2010s – The Legacy Continues
- Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011)
- Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013)
- Double Di Trouble (2014)
- Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se (2018)
✨ 2020s – The Evergreen Star
- Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) – As Kanwal Lund, praised for his emotional performance
- Upcoming projects: Rumored guest roles and film cameos celebrating his 65+ years in cinema.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997)
- Padma Bhushan (2012)
- National Film Awards (as part of ensemble films)
- Recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Handsome Men in the World (1960s) by an international magazine
- Acted in over 300 films, spanning seven decades
| Year | Award / Honour | For / Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award | Contribution to Indian cinema |
| 2012 | Padma Bhushan | Arts & Cinema |
| 2004–2009 | Member of Parliament (Bikaner) | Service in Indian politics |
| Multiple Years | Filmfare Best Actor Nominations | Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Chupke Chupke |
| Lifetime | Recognized among Top 10 Most Handsome Men (1960s) | Global poll during his peak career |
🕊️ Legacy
Dharmendra remains one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Indian cinema — an actor who combined rugged masculinity with tender emotion.
From Phool Aur Patthar to Sholay to Apne, his performances have defined multiple generations of Hindi film lovers.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nickname | He-Man of Bollywood, Garam Dharam |
| Influence | Inspired generations of actors including Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan |
| Family Legacy | Three generations in films — Dharmendra, Sunny/Bobby, and Karan/Rajveer Deol |
| Cultural Impact | Sholay dialogue “Basanti, in kutton ke samne mat nachna” remains legendary |
| Personality Traits | Humble, grounded, poetic, emotional yet strong |
| Current Status (2025) | Active in film cameos and family productions, admired by all generations |
He is not just a movie star — he’s an era.
