One of the most cherished anecdotes from the making of Sholay revolves around the shooting of the legendary line, “Basanti, in kutton ke saamne mat naachna!” Dharmendra—already the nation’s heartthrob—kept asking for retake after retake, insisting he still hadn’t nailed the perfect expression. The crew, however, knew better. The real reason, they joked, was delightfully simple: he wanted Hema Malini, who played Basanti and whom he was quietly courting at the time, to stay on set just a little longer.
Ramesh Sippy is said to have teased him, “Dharam, if you keep going like this, the whole film will wrap up and you’ll still be stuck on this one shot!” Dharmendra laughed it off, flashed that unmistakable Veeru grin, and replied, “Arre, perfect shot chahiye, boss!”
In that playful moment, the crew saw more than an actor chasing perfection. They witnessed Dharmendra slipping effortlessly into the skin of Veeru—the lovable rogue whose innocence, humour, and romantic spark gave Sholay its beating heart. That blend of mischief, masculinity, and open-hearted charm became the soul of Veeru and one of the reasons he remains one of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable characters.
From his earliest films—where he strode onto the screen as the wholesome, earthy hero—to the rugged swagger that defined him as Bollywood’s original action superstar, Dharmendra carried a rare combination of raw charisma and deep professionalism. Colleagues often recalled how he once halted a fight sequence under blistering studio lights just to correct a minor detail—not out of fear of imperfection, but out of devotion to his craft. In his prime, with chiselled features, a sculpted frame, and eyes that conveyed both strength and vulnerability, he embodied the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema. His performances radiated an electric energy that audiences felt instantly, and repeatedly, over decades.
On 24 Nov 2025, India woke up to the heartbreaking news that Dharmendra had passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Juhu, Mumbai. His health had been fragile in recent weeks after a hospitalisation, and his departure marks not just the loss of a beloved actor, but the closing of a magnificent chapter in Indian film history.
The OG hunk of Bollywood
From his first stride across the screen in humble rural attire to the rugged swagger that made him Bollywood’s original action icon, Dharmendra embodied a rare mix of raw charisma and unshakable professionalism.
End of an era.
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) November 24, 2025
An icon of Indian cinema is no more.
Dharmendra
(8 Dec 1935-24 Nov 2025)
🕉️ pic.twitter.com/2dMYzcp8Zo
Coupled with an impressive dedication to his roles, Dharmendra’s performances crackled with a potent energy that delighted audiences for decades.
A titan’s six-decade journey
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on 8 December 1935 in Ludhiana, Punjab, his journey from village to the silver screen is the stuff of Bollywood lore. He debuted in 1960 with the romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, but it was his performance in Haqeeqat (1964), a war film set against the backdrop of the Sino-Indian conflict, that first showcased his emotional range and fearless intensity.
He truly announced himself with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), where the contrast between his soft-spoken romantic side and raw screen power made him an instant heartthrob. His superstardom crystallised with Phool Aur Patthar and nuanced performance as a hardened criminal won hearts and earned him his first Filmfare nomination for Best Actor.
By the early 70s, he was winning over audiences in films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), a rural action drama beloved for its patriotic fervor and Dharmendra’s rugged charm.
Dharmendra delivered a sharp, restrained performance in Blackmail (1973) opposite Raakhee, whose quiet strength added depth to the film. Their compelling chemistry heightened the suspense and emotional tension, making the Vijay Anand thriller a standout blend of romance and intrigue.
His versatility shone in classics such as Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), where he balanced action with comedy and Chupke Chupke (1975), a lighthearted romantic comedy that remains a fan favorite. By then, he had cemented his place in Bollywood’s pantheon. But it was his role in Sholay (1975), as the irrepressible Veeru, that immortalized him — his chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and his fearless bravado became the stuff of cinematic legend.
Dharam-Hema pair
Few on-screen pairings in Hindi cinema have enjoyed the enduring magic of Dharmendra and Hema Malini. Together, they created sparks in over 40 films, spanning romance, comedy, drama, and action—each performance adding to their reputation as one of Bollywood’s most iconic duos.
Their chemistry first drew widespread attention in Tum Haseen Main Jawaan (1970), and from there they went on to deliver a string of memorable hits including Seeta Aur Geeta(1972), Sharafat (1970), Naya Zamana (1971), Jugnu (1973), Dost (1974), and of course Sholay(1975), where their playful banter as Basanti and Veeru became part of Bollywood folklore.
Dharmendra’s cinematic legacy thus stretches across 300-plus films over more than six decades, a feat matched by very few in Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra continued to headline major commercial films throughout the ’80s and early ’90s, commanding loyal audiences across generations. In Baghavat (1982), he embraced a classic action-adventure set in a royal backdrop, demonstrating his enduring popularity as a swashbuckling hero. The later decade saw him in mass entertainers like Dadagiri (1987), where his trademark alpha-hero energy resonated strongly with small-town audiences. Even as cinema evolved, he remained a familiar face in films such as Khule-Aam (1992), reflecting both his longevity and the industry’s continued faith in his star power. Together, these films—and hundreds more—form a tapestry of one of the richest, most diverse careers in Indian film history.
He also proved his staying power through later decades, transitioning into character roles and working alongside his sons in the Yamla Pagla Deewana films, and his final appearance will be in Ikkis, slated for release in Dec 2025
The man beyond the screen
Dharmendra’s personal life was as storied as his on-screen journey, marked by two marriages that shaped a sprawling, multigenerational film family. He first married Prakash Kaur in 1954, with whom he had four children—Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both of whom rose to become acclaimed Bollywood actors, and Vijayta and Ajeeta, who chose largely private lives away from the spotlight.
Later, in the 1970s, Dharmendra married Hema Malini, his Sholay co-star, in a union that became one of Bollywood’s most talked-about love stories. Together, they had two daughters—Esha Deol, an actor who made her mark in the 2000s, and Ahana Deol, a classical dancer and choreographer. Despite the complexities of his dual family life, Dharmendra remained a deeply affectionate patriarch whose legacy continues through the artistic paths of his children and grandchildren.
He was famously candid about his journey—he once revealed that, for years, he stitched his own suits, patiently saving for recognition he believed his body of work deserved. Later in life, he embraced a simple, organic lifestyle: tending to his farm, driving his tractor, and dispensing gentle wisdom with the same ease he once delivered fiery dialogues.
In recognition of his monumental contribution to Indian cinema, Dharmendra was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. He also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament representing Bikaner for the Bharatiya Janata Party.
His romance with Meena Kumari
Dharmendra’s early years in the industry were also marked by a much-discussed romance with Meena Kumari, the legendary tragedienne of Hindi cinema. Their relationship blossomed during the filming of Phool Aur Patthar (1966), the movie that first transformed Dharmendra into a bona fide star.
While Meena Kumari was already an established icon battling personal turmoil, Dharmendra was a rising actor drawn to her grace, melancholy, and unmatched artistry. Their bond, though brief and complicated, became one of Bollywood’s most whispered-about liaisons—tender, intense, and inevitably transient.
Many film historians believe that Meena Kumari played a quiet but pivotal role in shaping Dharmendra’s refinement as an actor, encouraging him during a crucial stage of his career. Their relationship eventually faded, but it remains a poignant footnote in the intertwined histories of two of Indian cinema’s most luminous personalities.
More than a hero
What truly made Dharmendra unforgettable wasn’t just his smoldering looks or his action hero persona—it was his heart. Audiences loved him for his swagger, but they respected him for his humility.
Colleagues praised his work ethic; fans admired his staying power. As one industry veteran said, he carried Bollywood on his broad shoulders, but never forgot his roots.
As the film world mourns his passing, it’s his laughter, generosity, and resilience that will be equally missed. He wasn’t just Bollywood’s He-Man—he was its gentle giant, its action hero, and its soulful romantic all rolled into one.
