Dec 08, 1935 - Nov 24, 2025
There will be no Dharmendra again. Of all the multitude of actors, from Bollywood to Hollywood, he was probably the only one who had a combination of the most handsome face, magnetic smile and innocent eyes that reflected profound affection and care for all. He was one of those rare celebrities with whom people felt a genuine empathy since he personified simplicity, warmth, charisma as well as grace! Alongside Shashi Kapoor, he was the finest looking Indian actor and both could make cinegoers go weak in the knees by their adorable smiles and magnetic charm.
That his persona had a captivating appeal was visible right from the time he blazed across the silver screen. Despite being the first star to exude raw-sexual power, earning him the sobriquet of ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra’s innate tenderness was the reason for earthy and eternal charm. I remember the first time I saw him in “Shola Aur Shabnam” as a man fighting against the odds of fate. Although the story had parallels to his personal struggle in filmdom, nevertheless, once he delivered “Jaane Kya Dhoondhti Rahti Hain Ye Aankhein Mujh Mein” in Rafi Sahab’s voice, it was imminent that the actor had arrived and would dominate the Hindi screen with his smouldering good looks and above average talent.
His six-decade long career, despite no major acting awards, is a proof that some artists are way beyond awards as they live in people’s hearts and memories. Time and again, he revealed the magnificence of his abilities with performances that were gritty, formidable and life-like, leaving everyone mesmerised by his vast repertoire. Who can ever forget the character Shaaka of “Phool Aur Patthar”, the naughty Veeru of “Sholay”, the silent lover of “Anupama”, the innocent man of “Satyakaam” or the humourous bridegroom of “Chupke Chupke”? The entire gamut of these screen characters is far better and weightier than the lifetime portfolios of modern, institute-bred actors and a valid reminder that nuances of acting cannot be learnt from textbooks alone.
Just these five roles are enough to put him in the top league of performers forever as also pointers to the strong observational skill, talent and arresting screen presence of the rustic villager from Punjab. A spontaneous artist, Dharmendra’s best performances came whenever his roles were well etched out by competent directors. That is why apart from Bimal Roy, Ramesh Sippy and Raj Khosla, his best came under Hrishikesh Mukherjee who loved Dharmendra to such an extent that he even built an entire film “Guddi” around his humanism and charisma. Probably, no actor or actress has ever been paid such a fine cinematic tribute in their lifetime as was done by Hrishikesh Mukherjee in unravelling Dharmendra’s modesty.
In a way, that film also explains why Dharmendra exasperated his fans with umpteen number of mediocre films. But insiders say Dharmendra accepted many such pedestrian films only because “he could not refuse friends who came for assistance”. Unable to be rude or discourteous, he signed many films that were neither good for his image nor his pocket. However, despite many run-of-the-mill films and their commercial failure, his fan following never dwindled nor did his magnetic appeal. Irrespective of the ruling Czars of box-office, he was one star whose popularity remained unaffected just as his second marriage with Hema Malini – against the grind of social norms – did not render him a villain in public evaluation.
And the reason was simple. The man always played the game – be it professional or personal arena – with a straight bat and the honesty endeared him to the public. Today, his legacy endures as an actor and a good human being who was extremely generous and straightforward. Within and outside films, people loved Dharmendra because he came across as a kind and gentle soul; a genuine man of the masses whose screen characters and real-life persona merged into benchmarks of goodness.
One could criticise him for his lack lustre performance in the political firmament as well as many pedestrian films, but it is common knowledge that the wily system outwitted the simple do-gooder. Many residents of Bikaner recall that as a Member of Parliament, he helped many out of his own purse and was always apologetic for his inability to break the shackles of the administrative machinery. Heartbroken, he left the political arena forever, admitting defeat at the hands of a devious and demonic system.
It is this transparent goodness of his spirit that makes Dharmendra’s aura live in the mind and hearts of Indians. Unlike many stars of the stellar screen, his compassion was an all-encompassing quality of his presence and since people realised he was an honest man driven by affection and humility, his legacy created a bond with the large number of countrymen.
An Irish proverb says “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Hence, even though Dharmendra’s screen personas will live beyond his death, it is the fragrance of his transparent goodness that makes him an immortal hero for all who were fortunate to see him on screen as well as in real life. A man of great heart and soul, Dharmendra will live in memories since they never die who live in our hearts. Amen!
Very well said, sir!
Dear Deepak
Indeed it’s a damn good write-up, very insightful, furnishing the minute details of legend Dharmendra. Great job done by you. Great.
Dear Deepak, indeed your write up is highly appreciated. Very insightful details. Great.
Well written article about the most handsome hero of Bollywood and above all a wonderful human being. Congratulations Deepak Sir for a beautifully crafted article.
Sir, you know him so well. What a revealing article about Dharmendra ji. Nice narration, keep it up, Sir.
A fitting tribute to the ‘He-Man’!! Very well written! May his soul rest in peace!
Well written notes capturing the essential humane qualities of the Great actor Dharmendra. The film “Chupke Chupke” best reflected his personality. There will be no Dharmendra again. Shat Shat Naman! Shraddhanjali.
A very well researched write up and tribute to the great soul from one artist to the other one.
Dharmendra’s life can be a very educative case study for young enthusiasts, willing to carve out a career in the film industry,as he was an institution in himself.
From Anil Kasliwal
Very well written and described Dharmendra’s life of his film career. Overall, the article is a fitting tribute to Dharmendra’s enduring impact on Indian cinema, celebrating his talent, charisma, and contributions to the entertainment industry.
वाह बेहतरीन I दीपक जी धर्मेंद्र जैसे बड़े कलाकार को आपने बहुत ही सादगी और अपनापन भरे अंदाज़ में याद किया है। आपके शब्द बताते हैं कि आप उन्हें सिर्फ एक अभिनेता नहीं, बल्कि एक अच्छे इंसान के रूप में भी बहुत मान देते हैं। उनकी मुस्कान, उनका व्यवहार और उनका संपूर्ण व्यक्तित्व—आपने सबको बड़े सुंदर और सहज तरीके से पाठकों के सामने रखा है।
लेख की भाषा भी दिल को छू लेने वाली है और पढ़ते-पढ़ते लगने लगता है कि धर्मेंद्र सच में हमारे बीच मौजूद हैं। आपकी यह श्रद्धांजलि बहुत आत्मीय और असरदार बनी है। 🙏
सर्वेश भट्ट,
कला समीक्षक
‘There will be no Dharmendra again’
The first line of this beautifully written article by Deepak Mahaan speaks volumes about the excellent actor and the wonderful human being Dharmendra. He will continue to live in our hearts through his umpteen memorable films…🙏🌹🙏
आपने बहुत सुंदर और सटीक व्याख्या की है धर्मेंद्र जी व्यक्तित्व और उनके अभिनय की
Great article Deepak ji.Good deep dive details on Dharmendra life. One era of Bollywood is lost. May his Soul rest in peace