Birth Date:08 December 1935
About Me
Dharmendra Deol, often referred to mononymously as Dharmendra, is an iconic and legendary Indian actor, producer, and former politician. His career spans over six decades, making him one of the most enduring and celebrated figures in Hindi cinema.
Here's more information about him:
Early Life and Background:
Born: Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, a village in Ludhiana district, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, India).
Family: He was born to Kewal Krishan (a school headmaster) and Satwant Kaur. He is a Punjabi Jat.
Career and Stardom:
Debut: He made his film debut in 1960 with the romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
Rise to Prominence: He gained popularity in the mid-1960s with films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Phool Aur Patthar (1966) which was a breakthrough, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966).
"He-Man" of Bollywood: Dharmendra earned the nickname "He-Man" due to his robust physique, charismatic personality, and his prowess in action roles. Later, he was also dubbed "Garam Dharam" for his intense on-screen presence.
Versatility: While known for his action and romantic roles, he also showcased remarkable versatility, excelling in comedic roles (Chupke Chupke, Naukar Biwi Ka) and critically acclaimed dramatic performances (Satyakam).
Blockbusters: He starred in numerous highly successful films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including:
- Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)
- Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
- Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
- Jugnu (1973)
- Sholay (1975) - his most iconic film, where he played Veeru.
- Pratiggya (1975)
- Dharam Veer (1977)
- Chacha Bhatija (1977)
- Hukumat (1987)
Later Career: From the late 1990s, he transitioned to more character roles, appearing in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Life in a Metro (2007), Apne (2007) where he shared screen space with both his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and most recently, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).
Record Holder: He holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema and delivered seven consecutive hits in a single year in both 1973 and 1987.
Producer: He ventured into film production, establishing his production company, Vijayta Films, and notably launched his sons Sunny Deol (Betaab, 1983) and Bobby Deol (Barsaat, 1995) into the industry.
Awards and Recognition:
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award: 1997, for his immense contributions to Hindi cinema.
Padma Bhushan: 2012, India's third-highest civilian honor, awarded by the Government of India.
He has received numerous other lifetime achievement and special awards from various film bodies and organizations.
Personal Life:
Marriages:
He first married Prakash Kaur in 1954.
He later married actress Hema Malini in 1980.
Children:
With Prakash Kaur: Sons Sunny Deol (actor, politician) and Bobby Deol (actor), and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita.
With Hema Malini: Daughters Esha Deol (actress) and Ahana Deol.
Political Career: He served as a Member of Parliament in the 15th Lok Sabha of India, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 2004 to 2009.
Dharmendra's powerful screen presence, distinctive dialogue delivery, and ability to connect with audiences have solidified his place as one of the most beloved and influential actors in Indian cinema history.
