Farewell Dharmendra: Over 300 Films and a Life in the Spotlight

Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in over 300 films. Alongside his professional achievements, he was often in the limelight for his personal life. Let’s explore the journey of Dharmendra, who entered Bollywood without any film background.

Iconic Films and Career

With unforgettable films like Baharaen Phir Bhi Aayengi, Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Charas, Dharmendra enriched Hindi cinema. His charming smile and charismatic personality won fans’ hearts for decades. He witnessed the transformation of the Indian film industry from black-and-white to color and now to the digital era, always staying relevant.

Work in Over 300 Films

Despite the rise of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra maintained his stardom. In a 65-year career, he acted in around 300 films. In recent times, he had been unwell. On Monday morning, rumors about his demise began circulating, which were later confirmed. Dharmendra’s body was taken to the crematorium by the Deol family, with his daughter Esha Deol, wife Hema Malini, and many Bollywood celebrities paying their respects. His elder son Sunny Deol performed the last rites.

Personal Life

Dharmendra was married twice. His first wife, Prakash Kaur, bore him two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajita. In 1980, he married actress Hema Malini, and the couple has two daughters, Esha and Ahana. In 1981, Dharmendra started his production house, Vijeta Films, launching his sons, nephew Abhay Deol, and grandson Karan Deol.

Early Life and Entry into Films

Dharmendra was born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village, Ludhiana, Punjab, as Dharm Singh Deol. His father was a school teacher. In 1958, he was selected in a talent hunt organized by Filmfare magazine, marking the start of his acting journey. His first signed film was Bimal Roy’s Bandini, but it was delayed. He debuted on screen in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere. In 1966, Phool Aur Patthar gave him stardom, and the 1975 film Sholay made the iconic Jai-Veeru duo legendary.

Politics and Honors

Dharmendra briefly entered politics, winning a Lok Sabha seat from Bikaner in 2004 as a BJP candidate. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Last Film

Even after retiring from the film stage of life, Dharmendra was set to appear in the movie Ikkees, releasing on 25 December.