Bollywood’s He-Man Dharmendra Journey, Facts & Health Update

There are actors… and then there’s Dharmendra — the man who defined what it meant to be Bollywood’s original He-Man.

With his magnetic charm, unbeatable dialogue delivery, and a career that spans over six decades, Dharmendra isn’t just a name; he’s an emotion for generations of movie lovers.

But beyond the glamour, his journey is filled with struggle, resilience, love, and controversies that still keep fans intrigued.

Let’s take a nostalgic walk through the life of the man who made India fall in love with the idea of a true hero — on and off screen. 

Dharmendra Paaji Health Update

Amid widespread reports claiming that veteran actor Dharmendra has passed away, his daughter Esha Deol and wife Hema Malini have clarified that the news is false, as of 11:00 am on November 11 (Tuesday). The 89-year-old actor, who was recently admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after his health deteriorated, is very much alive.

Dharmendra Biography

Dharmendra Ji Biography
Full Name	Dharmendra Singh Deol
Date Of Birth	8 December 1935
Profession	Actor, Producer, Politician
Birth Place	Nasrali, Punjab, British India
First Wife	Prakash Kaur
Children	Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijayta Deol & Ajeeta Deol
Second Wife	Hema Malini
Children	Esha Deol and Ahana Deol
Debut Film	Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960)
Total Films	Over 300 Hindi films
Political Career	Member of Parliament (2004–2009, BJP)
Achievements	Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997
	Padma Bhushan in 2012
	National Film Award in 1990
	Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award in 2017

Dharmendra Singh Deol was born on December 8, 1935, in Sahnewal, a village located in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, within a conventional Jat Sikh family. He first went to the Government Senior Secondary School in Lalton Kalan, and afterward, he moved to Ramgarhia College in Phagwara for his intermediate education.

Dharmendra completed his education at the traditional 12th grade, yet his determination and love for acting paved the way for a remarkable film career.

Also Read: Best Old Bollywood Movies: Dil Toh pagal Hai, Darr, And Others

Bollywood’s He-Man Filmography

His first film, Dill Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, was released in 1960, but the 1966 hit movie Phool Aur Patthar showcased the leading actor's unique screen presence. Dharmendra, to his credit, was first recognized as a romantic actor; however, owing to his towering stature, rugged charm, and adaptability, he became the ideal candidate for action-packed roles.

Movies like Mera Gaon Mera Desh in 1971, Rakhwala in 1971, and JUGnu in 1973 showcased his ability to conquer the silver screen with charisma and bold energy.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Dharmendra acted alongside some of the finest actresses and actors, featuring in some of the most iconic films in Bollywood history like Sholay (1975), where his character Veeru is still remembered today. He blended both commercial success and critically acclaimed performances, resulting in four Best Actor Filmfare nominations throughout the years.

His work's impact extended beyond acting in film production and distribution; he also influenced the industry beyond the camera.

7 Interesting Facts About Dharmendra

1. Prior to his major breakthrough in Bollywood, Dharmendra was employed as a government clerk in Ludhiana earning Rs 125 monthly.
2. He submitted his picture into Filmfare's talent contest. That black-and-white photograph altered his destiny, granting him a ticket to Bombay and, in the end, cinematic fame. He won the magazine's talent hunt show judged by Bimal Roy.
   
3. When he proposed Hema Malini, she first declined since he was wed to Prakash Kaur and had four children. To take Hema Malini as his second wife, he covertly embraced Islam and adopted the name Dilawar Khan since the law allows for multiple marriages.
   
4. Dharmendra has the distinct achievement of producing seven box office successes in one year (1987), making him the only Bollywood actor to reach this extraordinary milestone.
5. In 2012, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan.
6. In 1990, he secured the National Film Award, adding another accolade to his artistic accomplishments.
7. In 2017, Dharmendra was honored with the Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award for his contributions and impact on the Indian community.

About Dharmendra’s Controversial Love Life

The personal life of Bollywood veteran actor Dharmendra has generated ongoing public intrigue and speculation because of his controversial dual marriages. He married his 'dream girl' Hema Malini while still being married to his first wife, Prakash Kaur. This unusual and open family relationship has been a topic of conversation for many years.

Dharmendra allegedly embraced Islam to wed Hema Malini in 1980, since Muslim personal law then permitted a man to have multiple wives without needing to divorce the first. Accounts from that period suggest that Dharmendra took on the name Dilawar Khan, while Hema Malini adopted the name Aisha B R for the wedding ceremony.

It provided a legal means to bypass the Hindu Marriage Act, which mandates monogamy and would not have allowed his second marriage while he remained married to Prakash Kaur. Both Dharmendra and Hema Malini denied the claims.

Regardless of the situation, Prakash Kaur openly stood up for her husband in front of detractors. In a 1981 interview with Stardust, she denied claims of him being a 'womaniser,' even though she disapproved of the circumstances as a wife and mother. She commended Dharmendra as a devoted father to their kids, saying, "He might not be the ideal husband, although he treats me well, but he is definitely the greatest father."

From a small-town boy to Bollywood’s ultimate icon, Dharmendra’s story proves that legends aren’t born — they’re made through passion, perseverance, and heart.