Dharmendra

Dharmendra
Dharmendra in 2023
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office
13 May 2004 – 16 May 2009
Preceded byRameshwar Lal Dudi
Succeeded byArjun Ram Meghwal
ConstituencyBikaner
Personal details
Born
Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol

(1935-12-08) 8 December 1935 (age 88)
Nasrali, Punjab, British India[1]
(present-day Punjab, India)
NationalityBritish Indian (1935–1947)
Indian (1947–present)
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Spouses
  • Prakash Kaur
    ​
    (m. 1954)​
  • ​
    (m. 1980)​
Children6; (including Sunny, Bobby and Esha)
RelativesSee Deol family
Alma materRamgarhia College, Phagwara
Panjab University, Chandigarh
Occupation
  • Actor
  • politician
AwardsPadma Bhushan (2012)
Signature
Preview warning: Page using Template:Infobox officeholder with unknown parameter "other_names"

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol (born 8 December 1935), known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer, and politician who is primarily known for his work in Hindi films. Nicknamed the "He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema and to be among the most handsome Indian actors of all time.[2][3][4][5][6] In 2012, he has received the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, from the Government of India.[7] Dharmendra has worked in more than 200 films in a career spanning over six decades.[8]

Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.[9] He first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films, such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Kaajal and Phool Aur Patthar, and achieved greater stardom in later years, being dubbed India's "Garam Dharam" for several of his on-screen roles in Hindi films.[10] He consistently starred in several successful Hindi films from the late-1960s to the 1980s, such as Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Elaan-E-Jung and Tahalka,[11] as well as some of his acclaimed performances, include Anpadh, Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Mamta, Majhli Didi, Satyakam, Naya Zamana, Samadhi, Resham Ki Dori, Chupke Chupke, Dillagi, The Burning Train, Do Dishayen and Hathyar.[12][13]

Beginning in the late 1990s, he appeared in character roles in several successful and acclaimed films, such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a... Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.[14][15][16] In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Bollywood. He was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[17]

  1. ^ Singh, Khushwant (18 November 2013). "Dharmendra unplugged". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Dharmendra, who was voted as one of the most handsome men in the 70s, is seen with his daughter Vijetta Deol at their residence". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  3. ^ "When Dharmendra was compared to a Hollywood star who he didn't recognise". Hindustan Times. 23 January 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Dharmendra most handsome actor in Bollywood: Arjun Rampal". The Indian Express. 16 June 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Madhuri Dixit: Dharmendra the most handsome person". NDTV. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  6. ^ "Salman Khan calls Dharmendra 'the most beautiful looking man'". The Indian Express. 16 November 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  7. ^ "Dharmendra, Shabana awarded Padma Bhushan". Hindustan Times. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Dharmendra turns 80! 10 stories you probably never knew about the 'He-Man'". India TV. 7 December 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  9. ^ Joshi, Sumit. Bollywood Through Ages. Best Book Reads. ISBN 9781311676696.
  10. ^ "Dharmendra, Bollywood's Dreamboat". 8 December 2022.
  11. ^ "Rewind - Sixty Years Of Dharmendra". Box Office India. 24 November 2020.
  12. ^ "All muscle, all heart: Dharmendra". www.rediff.com.
  13. ^ "Dharmendra Turns 88: From 'Anupama' To 'Sholay', 10 Films That Define His Timeless Legacy". 8 December 2023.
  14. ^ "Dharmendra (Filmography)". Box Office India.
  15. ^ "Review: Johnny Gaddaar is a delicious thriller". CNN-IBN. 29 September 2007. Archived from the original on 15 April 2009.
  16. ^ "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani Emerges HIT Due to Overseas". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 24 August 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  17. ^ "Padma Awards". pib. 27 January 2013. Archived from the original on 24 May 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2015.