When Dharmendra admitted getting new suits stitched every year in anticipation of an award but never got one: ‘I lost all hope’

Despite doing over 300 films, which included hits like Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Pratigya, Satyakam, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Chupke Chupke, Dharmendra received only one award early in his career for Best Talent, followed by a lifetime achievement award in 1997.

Dharmendra often spoke about not receiving major popular film awards. (Photo: Express Archive)

Dharmendra and his popularity are no secret to the world, but the veteran actor often spoke about how he was never given the ‘Best Actor’ award, despite his constant hard work. Dharmendra did a range of blockbusters and critically acclaimmed films, and his journey as an actor speaks volumes. From an era where the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood took center stage to his timeless romantic and comedy roles, Dharmendra was seen doing it all.

Not many would know that the actor’s journey began in 1960 when he was signed for the film Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere as the lead, marking his debut as a hero for a meager Rs 51. Widely known as ‘Garam Dharam,’ Dharmendra actually became a star by the late 60s. But despite doing over 300 films, which included hits like Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Pratigya, Satyakam, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Chupke Chupke, Dharmendra received only one Filmfare award early in his career for Best Talent, followed by a lifetime achievement award much later.

Also read | Dharmendra Health Update Today: Veteran actor discharged from hospital, family statement says ‘actor to continue recovery at home’

But Dharmendra has spoken candidly many a time about not receiving major popular film awards, stating that while it used to bother him initially, he now values the immense love from his audience more than “dusty trophies”.

Story continues below this ad

When Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu presented Dharmendra with the lifetime achievement award in the year 1997 at the 42nd Filmfare Awards ceremony, the actor said, “It’s been 37 years since I started working. Every year, I used to stitch a new suit, find matching ties, hoping I would get an award, but I never got one.”

“Mera silver, golden jubilee sab hua, but I did not get an award. Then after a few years, I gave up. I decided that I would attend the function wearing a T-shirt and shorts ya kachcha pahen ke chala jaaunga,” added the actor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dharmendra Deol (@aapkadharam)

In various interviews, he has emphasized that public affection is the ultimate recognition. He considers the love he receives from people to be “much better than dusty trophies lying on some shelf”.

In an older interview with PTI, Dharmendra was asked why he did not receive any awards? To which he shared, “Generally, receiving lifetime achievement awards means ‘retirement’. But I won’t sit back. I don’t want to comment on why I did not get an award. But I think I deserved it for Phool aur Patthar, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Pratigya, Sholay and Naya Zamana among several others.”

Dharmendra had a seven decade long career in the movies. (Photo: Express Archives)

Dharmendra, after his film Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, too talked about how he feels that his family hasn’t gotten their due from Bollywood.

Story continues below this ad

“Our family is not into marketing itself. We’ve always believed in letting our work speak for us. Sunny is in two of the biggest blockbusters of all time. You will never hear him talking about his achievements. My younger son Bobby (Deol) is also doing well for himself. But my family has never been given our due. We don’t mind. The love of our fans is enough fuel to keep us going. We don’t need the industry to acknowledge us,” shared Dharmendra in his interview with TimesNow and also added, “I didn’t get a single award even for Satyakam.”

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.