He-Man of Bollywood – Legendary Dharam Paaji
The Great Dharam: Dharmendra
The Great Dharam: Dharmendra is a well-known Indian actor, producer, and politician who has appeared in over 300 Hindi and Punjabi films. He is also known as Bollywood’s “He-Man” and has garnered numerous awards and distinctions for his contributions to Indian cinema as an actor and director. A few Examples Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Dharam Veer, Ghayal, and Yamla Pagla Deewana are among his most popular flicks. In 2012, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian accolade.
Dharmendra had a fascinating childhood. He was born on December 8, 1935, in the village of Nasrali in the Punjab district of Ludhiana. Kewal Krishan Deol, his father, was a government school teacher, and Satwant Kaur, his mother, was a housewife. Ajit Singh Deol was his younger brother, who also became an actor and producer later.
Dharmendra disliked going to school and frequently produced excuses to avoid it. He used to annoy his mother by hiding under the bed or fleeing the house. He likes watching movies and participating in sports. He was an excellent cyclist who won numerous medals in cycling contests. He also enjoyed wrestling and looked up to Dara Singh, a well-known wrestler and actor.
He graduated from the Government Senior Secondary School in Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where his father was the headmaster. After that, he enrolled at Intermediate R.G. College in Phagwara, Punjab, but dropped out after a year. In 1954, he traveled to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue his goal of becoming an actor. He worked at American Drilling Company as a drilling machine operator and also did some modeling work. In 1960, he was chosen as the winner of Filmfare’s New Talent Award and made his debut in the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. The rest is history.
Struggling Phase of Dharmendra in the Indian Film Industry
Dharmendra had an exciting but difficult journey in the Indian cinema industry before becoming a star. In 1954, he traveled to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue his dream of becoming an actor, but he had no place to live and no money to spend. He worked at American Drilling Company as a drilling machine operator and also did some modeling work. In 1960, he was chosen as the winner of Filmfare’s New Talent Award and made his debut in the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
He did, however, face stiff competition from other renowned actors and had to work hard to establish himself. Many of his popular films were not his first choice, such as Phool Aur Patthar (1966), which was previously offered to Sunil Dutt. He had to contend with the industry’s prejudice against actors who were not conventionally handsome or had a particular style. Despite his flexibility and talent, he was frequently disregarded by critics and awards. “I was always described as a handsome man,” he once commented. Nobody saw the amount of effort I put in, the quantity of films I worked on, or the types of roles I played.”
Despite these obstacles, Dharmendra never gave up on his dream and experimented with many genres and roles. He collaborated with some of the best filmmakers and actors of his generation, delivering outstanding performances in films such as Sholay, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, and many others. He has experimented with production and politics, and in 2012 he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor. He is acknowledged as one of India’s best and most influential performers, inspiring several generations of actors and fans.
Dharmendra is one of the most successful and diverse performers in Indian movie history. Over the course of his six-decade career, he has appeared in over 300 films. In many genres, he has performed romantic, action, comic, and drama parts. In addition, he has garnered numerous prizes and honors for his contributions to Bollywood.
According to sources, Dharmendra’s career peaked in the 1970s, when he appeared in several hit films, including Sholay, Pratiggya, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, and Ram Balram. For his masculine look and action roles, he was dubbed the “He-Man” of Bollywood. From 1973 to 1987, he was the highest-paid actor in the industry.
Dharmendra also shared screen time with actresses such as Asha Parekh, Hema Malini, Meena Kumari, and Rekha. While filming Sholay, he fell in love with Hema Malini and married her in 1980. From his two marriages, he has six children, four of them are also actors.
Dharmendra is still active in the film industry, having acted in films such as Apne, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in recent years.
Dharmendra started his own production business, Vijayta Films, in 1983 to give his eldest son Sunny Deol a break in the film industry. He produced the love drama Betaab, which starred Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh in their breakthrough roles. Sunny was established as a leading actor in Bollywood thanks to the success of the film.
Dharmendra continued to make films under his label, the majority of which starred his sons Sunny and Bobby, as well as his wife Hema Malini. Ghayal, Barsaat, Dillagi, Apne, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and Ghayal Once Again are some of his major productions.
Dharmendra also appeared in his own films, including Soorat Aur Seerat, Pratiggya, Dream Girl, Charas, and Yamla Pagla Deewana. He has also co-produced films with other studios, including Sholay, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, and Kaatilon Ke Kaatil.
Dharmendra’s production firm is still operating, with planned films such as Apne 2, starring Dharmendra, Sunny, Bobby, and Sunny’s son Karan Deol.
Dharmendra has collected nine awards and six nominations throughout his career. Here is a list of his honors:
In 1991, he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Ghayal (Producer).
In 1997, he was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Bollywood.
In 2003, he earned the Sansui Viewer’s Choice Award for Lifetime Achievement.
In 2004, he earned the Zee Cine Award for Best Contribution to Indian Cinema.
In 2005, he earned the Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement.
In 2007, he earned the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2008, he earned the Bombay International Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2012, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian accolade, by the Government of India.
In 2012, he won the Indian Telly Award for Best Judge on a TV Show for his work on India’s Got Talent (Season 3).
Dharmendra is 87 years old, but he still appears fit and attractive. He has kept his health and physique in good shape by leading a disciplined lifestyle and eating a well-balanced diet. He also does yoga and meditation on a regular basis. He abstains from smoking and drinking alcohol. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is very enthusiastic about his job and enjoys acting. He has a bright disposition and an optimistic mentality. He symbolizes aging gracefully and living joyfully.
His family is huge and prominent, consisting of his parents, siblings, wives, children, and grandchildren. The following are some facts regarding Dharmendra’s family:
Dharmendra was born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, a village in the Punjab district of Ludhiana. Dharam Singh Deol is his true name. Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, his father, was a government school teacher, and Satwant Kaur, his mother, was a homemaker. Ajit Singh Deol, his brother, was also an actor and producer.
Abhay Deol, Dharmendra’s nephew, is also a renowned actor. He is Dharmendra’s brother Ajit Singh Deol’s son. Abhay has appeared in movies such as Dev.D, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Oye Lucky! Oye, you’re so lucky!
Dharmendra had two marriages throughout his life. Parkash Kaur was his first wife, whom he married when he was 19 years old in 1954. Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeeta Deol, and Ajeeta Deol are his four children from this marriage. Sunny and Bobby are well-known actors, but Vijeeta and Ajeeta are happily married.
Hema Malini, a prominent actress and politician, is Dharmendra’s second wife. He fell in love with her while working on films such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Dream Girl with her. Esha Deol and Ahana Deol are his daughters from this marriage. Ahana is a dancer, while Esha is also an actor. They are both married and have children.
Dharmendra adores and respects both of his wives. He also has positive relationships with his children and grandchildren. He resides in Mumbai with Hema Malini, although he frequently sees Prakash Kaur and his other family members.
Karan Deol, Rajvir Deol, Aryaman Deol, Dharam Deol, Darien Vohra, Radhya Takhtani, and Miraya Takhtani are Dharmendra’s grandchildren. Sunny’s boys are Karan and Rajvir, Bobby’s sons are Aryaman and Dharam, Vijeeta’s son is Darien, and Esha’s daughters are Radhya, Miraya, and Darien. Karan made his acting debut in the film Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, directed by Sunny.
Dharmendra is a legend in the Indian cinema industry and an inspiration to many young performers. He has a massive fan base that spans decades and geographic boundaries. He is well-known for his charm, charisma, and talent. He certainly is a star among stars.
Dharmendra comes from one of the most important and influential families in Indian cinema. They have made significant contributions to the country’s entertainment and culture.
