Dharmendra dies at 89: The He-Man who was Everyman’s Hero

The 1970s saw him in his most popular roles like Jeevan Mrityu, Guddi, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Black Mail, Pratigya, Chupke Chupke, Dream Girl, Dharam Veer, Seeta aur Geeta among others. This decade also earned him the moniker of Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, with action roles in Mera Gaon Mera Desh, The Burning Train and, of course, Sholay. His macho roles, however, were deceptive of his inherent humility and a great sense of humour. The latter was captured best in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Chupke Chupke (1975). In a 1998 interview, the director, who also worked with Dharmendra in Anupama (1966) and Satyakam (1969), called him his favourite actor. “…I didn’t just mean his acting talent. I meant the human being also,” Mukherjee had said.

The 1970s was a defining decade for Dharmendra personally as well. He met Hema Malini and their first film together, Tum Haseen Mai Jawan (1970), was an instant hit; the onscreen chemistry eventually translating off it. Dharmendra, at the time, was married to Prakash Kaur and was a father to four children. Despite opposition from Hema’s family, the two got married, entering a unique living arrangement — Dharmendra continued to live with Prakash while Hema lived close by. Dharmendra and Hema have two daughters — Esha and Ahana.

The actor ventured into production with Vijayta Films in 1983 and launched his son Sunny Deol with Betaab (1983). That was followed by Ghayal, Barsaat and Socha Na Tha. Most recently, the production house launched Sunny’s son, Karan, with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas.

Dharmendra also dabbled in politics. He contested from Bikaner in Rajasthan during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and served the constituency till 2009. He did not return to politics even though Hema continues to be an MP and his son Sunny has also been an active politician in the past.

Acting was his one true love, something he continued, quite literally, till his last breath. He is, perhaps, the only actor in Bollywood who has been cast as the leading man consistently for over 35 years, the last one being Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se (2018) and has also delivered the maximum number of hits. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. His second innings, where he did supporting roles, was equally impressive — from Life in a… Metro and Johnny Gaddar to most recently Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His final film Ikkis will hit the theatres on December 25.