Who is Dharmendra?
Dharmendra Deol known as Dharmendra, was an Indian actor, producer, and politician, primarily known for his work in Hindi films. He passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai due to age-related illness. Dharmendra was widely considered one of the greatest, most handsome and commercially successful film stars in the history of Indian cinema. In a career spanning 65 years, he worked in over 300 films, holding the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema. He was widely known as the He-Man of Bollywood. People loved him for his kind nature and humour.
Wiki/Overview
| Full Name | Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol |
| Nickname | Dharam, Dharam Garam, He-Man of Bollywood |
| Profession | Actor, Producer and Former Politician |
| Date of Birth | 8 December 1935 |
| Place of Birth | Nasrali, Ludhiana, Punjab, British India |
| Age (as of 2025) | 89 years (Died on 24 November 2025) |
| Father | Kewal Krishan |
| Mother | Satwant Kaur |
| Spouse | Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini |
| Education | HSC Passed |
| Known for | Dharmendra was a renowned Indian Actor of Bollywood. He was one of the legendary actors of the entertainment industry. He passed away at the age of 89 |
| Residence | Mumbai |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Height | 5’8 inches |
| Weight | 73 kgs |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
Early life
Dharmendra Deol was born on 8 December 1935 to parents Kewal Krishan and Satwant Kaur in Nasrali, a village in Ludhiana district, Punjab, British India. His ancestral village is Dangon, near Pakhowal Tehsil Raikot, Ludhiana.
Career
Dharmendra moved to Bombay in the late 1950s after winning a talent contest, which helped him land his first film, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), though it did not make much impact. Over the next few years, he steadily built his reputation with a mix of romantic and dramatic roles in films like Shola Aur Shabnam (1961), Bandini (1963), and Haqeeqat (1964). His breakthrough came with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), a major hit that not only raised his star profile but also showcased his ability to carry a film as a romantic hero.
In the 1970s, Dharmendra’s career reached superstardom. He made a definitive shift into action films, earning the nickname “He-Man” of Bollywood through his strong screen presence and charismatic performance. Movies like Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) cemented his action-hero image. At the same time, he proved his versatility by doing comedies and dual-role dramas, such as Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Samadhi, and Raja Jani. His most iconic role came with Sholay (1975), where he played Veeru, one half of the legendary duo with Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai, in what is now considered a landmark of Indian cinema.
As his career progressed into later decades, Dharmendra adapted to changing times by taking on character and supporting roles, while also stepping into production. In the 2000s, he appeared In critically appreciated films like Life in a… Metro (2007) and Johnny Gaddaar (2007). He also starred alongside his sons in Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) and worked on several television projects. Outside of acting, Dharmendra briefly entered politics: he was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2004 on a BJP ticket, serving until 2009. Over his six-decade career, he appeared in more than 300 films and earned widespread recognition, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, and India’s Padma Bhushan. He was also part of National Award-winning film Rocky Rani Ki Prem Kahaani which released in 2023. Dharmendra passed away at the of 89 due to age related illness. His last rites were taken place at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu. He will be last seen in the upcoming film Ikkis with Agastya Nanda which is slated to release on 25 December 2025.
Education
Dharmendra has passed HSC (12th). He studied at Government Senior Secondary School at Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, where his father was the village school headmaster. He did his matriculation in Phagwara in 1952. In those days, schools of Punjab came under Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Family and Affairs
Dharmendra had two marriages. He married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, at the age of 19 in 1954. He married her before he entered the film industry. The couple had two sons and two daughters, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol and Vijeta and Ajeeta.
Dharmendra married again to Hema Malini in the year 1980. They had an affair as they were seen in multiple films together. The couple had two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Appearance
Dharmendra was known as the most handsome actor in the Bollywood. He had a height of 5’8 inches and he weighed 73 kilograms. He had brown-coloured eyes and black coloured hairs.
Achievements
Dharmendra’s long and remarkable career has earned him some of the highest honours in Indian cinema. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2012, one of India’s top civilian awards, recognising his immense contribution to films over several decades. Earlier, in 1997, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his influence as one of Bollywood’s most successful and beloved stars.
As a producer, he also won a National Film Award for Ghayal (1990) in the category of Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, adding to his achievements behind the camera. Over the years, Dharmendra has been celebrated by several major organisations, receiving lifetime achievement honours from IIFA, Zee Cine Awards, Sansui, FICCI, MAMI, Kalakar Awards, and various international bodies.
He was widely regarded in the 1970s as one of the most handsome men in the world and earned the title of Bollywood’s “He-Man” for his strong on-screen persona. Across film festivals, media houses, and global cultural platforms, Dharmendra continues to be recognised as a legendary figure whose legacy shaped multiple generations of Indian cinema.
Money Factor
| Net Worth | 46 Crore |
| Salary / Income | N/A |
Trivia and Facts
- Dharmendra was called He-Man and Action King of Bollywood.
- Dharmendra converted to Islam in 1979 (taking the name “Dilawar Khan”) so that legally he could marry Hema Malini while still being married to his first wife, Prakash Kaur, as divorce wasn’t an option under Hindu law.
- Dharmendra owns a huge 100-acre farmhouse in Lonavala.
