Dharmendra obituary: He-Man of Bollywood bids adieu

Dharmendra, the charismatic icon of Indian cinema known affectionately as Bollywood's "He-Man", has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in the village of Nasrali, Punjab, he breathed his last on November 24, at the age of 89, in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after a prolonged battle with health issues, including breathing difficulties and a recent corneal transplant. His passing marks the end of an era for Hindi cinema, where he starred in over 300 films across six decades, blending action, romance, drama, and comedy with effortless charm.

This Dharmendra obituary delves into his remarkable career, highlighting his most commercially successful films and challenging roles, while also exploring his personal life, the industry's perception of him amid typecasting trends, and the profound legacy he leaves behind.

From humble beginnings to Bollywood stardom

Dharmendra's story is one of perseverance and grit, rooted in the rustic landscapes of Punjab. Born into a Punjabi Jat family to Kewal Krishan Deol, a village school headmaster, and Satwant Kaur, young Dharmendra grew up in Sahnewal, facing the modest realities of rural life. His early education took place in Phagwara, where he completed his matriculation in 1952 at Ramgarhia College, later attending Panjab University in Chandigarh. Far from the glitz of Mumbai, Dharmendra's humble beginnings instilled in him a grounded demeanour that would later endear him to audiences.

Winning a talent hunt organised by Filmfare magazine in the late 1950s propelled him to Bombay (now Mumbai), though his initial project fell through. Undeterred, he debuted in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, a romantic drama that, while not a massive hit, opened the doors to a prolific career.

By the mid-1960s, Dharmendra had established himself as a versatile leading man. Films like Shola Aur Shabnam (1961) and Anpadh (1962) showcased his romantic side, but it was Bandini (1963), a National Film Award-winning drama, that hinted at his depth. His breakthrough came with Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), earning him a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and Haqeeqat (1964), a superhit war film that solidified his patriotic image.

Commercially greatest hits: Blockbuster king

Dharmendra's commercial prowess is legendary, with a record-breaking streak of hits that made him one of Bollywood's most bankable stars. From 1968 to 1984, and again in 1987, he frequently topped Box Office India's list of leading actors, delivering 74 hits, seven blockbusters, and 13 superhits. His golden era in the 1970s saw him dominate the box office with films that combined high-octane action, memorable dialogue, and chart-topping music.

Arguably, his crowning achievement was Sholay (1975), directed by Ramesh Sippy, where he played the affable Veeru alongside Amitabh Bachchan's Jai. This all-time blockbuster ran for over five years in theatres, achieving 60 golden jubilees and becoming the highest-grossing Indian film by footfalls (15-18 crore tickets sold). Its iconic Yeh Dosti song and bicycle scene remain cultural touchstones. Earlier, Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) established him as an action hero, grossing massively and inspiring remakes like Khoon Pasina.

Other monumental hits include Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), a dual-role comedy with Hema Malini that was a superhit; Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), the first masala film with the decade's second-best-selling soundtrack; Dharam Veer (1977), which sold 32 million tickets in the Soviet Union; and Chacha Bhatija (1977), both family entertainers that showcased his comic timing. In 1987, he delivered seven consecutive hits, including Hukumat, the year's top grosser. Later successes like Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) with his sons and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), which earned over ₹3.5 billion worldwide, proved his enduring appeal even in supporting roles.

These films not only raked in fortunes but also cemented Dharmendra's status as a mass entertainer, appealing to urban and rural audiences alike. His on-screen charisma, often paired with stars like Sanjeev Kumar, Zeenat Aman, and Hema Malini, turned ordinary scripts into gold.

Most challenging roles: Showcasing depth beyond action

While Dharmendra's commercial hits often featured him as the rugged hero, his challenging roles revealed a nuanced performer capable of profound emotional depth. In an industry quick to pigeonhole actors, he sought out scripts that tested his range, earning critical acclaim even if they weren't always box-office juggernauts.

One of his most lauded performances was in Satyakam (1969), directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, where he portrayed a principled engineer grappling with corruption and integrity. The film won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and is widely regarded as Dharmendra's career-best, showcasing his ability to convey quiet intensity. Similarly, Anupama (1966), another Mukherjee collaboration, featured him in a sensitive role opposite Sharmila Tagore, earning a National Film Award souvenir for its poignant exploration of societal norms.

Haqeeqat (1964) demanded physical and emotional rigour as he played a soldier in the Indo-China war, while Phool Aur Patthar (1966) required him to balance vulnerability and strength as a reformed criminal, fetching a Filmfare Best Actor nomination. In Resham Ki Dori (1974), he delved into familial bonds and sacrifice, again nominated for Best Actor. These roles contrasted his action-hero image, proving his versatility in dramas like Majhli Didi and comedies such as Chupke Chupke (1975), where his impeccable timing shone.

Even in later years, films like Life in a... Metro (2007) and Johnny Gaddaar (2007) allowed him to explore complex characters, blending gravitas with subtlety.

Personal life: Birth, humble beginnings, 2 marriages, 6 children

Beyond the silver screen, Dharmendra's personal life was a blend of tradition, controversy, and family devotion. Born in 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, into a modest family, his humble beginnings shaped his unpretentious personality. At 19, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954, before his film career took off. The couple had four children: sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both successful actors who carried forward the Deol legacy, and daughters Vijeeta Deol and Ajeeta Deol, who lead private lives.

In 1980, Dharmendra's second marriage to actress Hema Malini stirred headlines, as it occurred while he was still married to Prakash. Rumours of his conversion to Islam for bigamy surfaced, but he later affirmed his Hindu faith and Arya Samaj ties. With Hema, he had two daughters: Esha Deol, an actress and dancer born in 1981, and Ahana Deol, born in 1985, who works as an assistant director. Despite the public scrutiny, Dharmendra maintained harmonious family ties, often seen celebrating milestones together. His Juhu residence and Lonavala farmhouse were havens for his blended family, reflecting his role as a patriarch.

Typecasting in Bollywood: Perception, Limitations, and Range

In an industry notorious for typecasting, Dharmendra was generally seen as the quintessential "He-Man" – a handsome, muscular action star with a magnetic screen presence, often compared to Hollywood's Clint Eastwood. Nicknamed "Garam Dharam" for his fiery roles, he was celebrated for heroic personas in films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Sholay. This image, while commercially lucrative, could have limited him to formulaic action flicks, especially in the 1980s when he starred in numerous low-budget hits tailored for small-town audiences.

However, Dharmendra defied these constraints, embracing diverse genres. Critics and peers noted his untapped potential in dramatic roles, as seen in Satyakam, where he displayed emotional vulnerability far from his tough-guy archetype. While typecasting led to 180 flops amid his hits, it didn't fully restrict his range; he balanced mass appeal with artistic choices, earning praise from contemporaries like Jaya Bachchan, who called him a "Greek god", and Salman Khan, who idolised him. Ultimately, this perception enhanced rather than hindered his longevity, allowing him to evolve from lead to character actor without losing relevance.

Legacy Dharmendra leaves behind

Dharmendra's legacy transcends box-office numbers; he was a trailblazer who influenced generations. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, and inclusions in lists like Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actors", he symbolised resilience and versatility. As a producer under Vijayta Films, he launched his sons' careers with hits like Betaab (1983) and Barsaat (1995). Politically, his stint as a BJP MP for Bikaner (2004-2009) added another dimension, though not without criticism.

His impact on Indian cinema is profound – from pioneering the action genre to family entertainers that bridged urban-rural divides. Films like Sholay remain benchmarks, and his humility inspired actors to stay grounded. Dharmendra leaves behind a family dynasty and a fanbase that will forever cherish his contributions. As Bollywood mourns, his spirit endures in the stories he told and the lives he touched.