Dharmendra

December 8, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Dharam Singh Deol, or Dharmendra, was born on December 8, 1935, in Punjab, British India. His acting career started after he won a talent hunt contest organized by “Filmfare” magazine. As the prize, he was promised a role in a movie. Unfortunately, the project did not take off. Nevertheless, Dharmendra’s heart was set on being a successful actor, and he left no stone unturned to realize his dream. He worked hard to get roles in other projects and eventually built a successful acting career that spans more than six decades. We will help you celebrate this iconic actor.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Dharam Singh Deol

Nickname:

Dharmendra, He-Man, Garam-Dharam, Dharam Paaji

Birth date:

December 8, 1935

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 10"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$45 million

Background

Dharmendra is a veteran actor who has acted in many superhit movies in Bollywood. He is also a movie producer and a former politician. Dharmendra was born on December 8, 1935, at Sahnewal in the Ludhiana district in Punjab, British India, to Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, a teacher, and Satwant Kaur. He grew up in Sahnewal and studied at the government school at Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana. His father was the head teacher at a local school, so he received a good education. Right from his early years, he was inclined toward movies and kept up with all the latest news about actors and the Indian film industry.

Of all the popular movie stars of his era, Dharmendra was particularly fond of actress Suraiya. He once trekked several miles to watch her movie, “Dillagi.” The lives of movie actors enticed and inspired him, and he harbored aspirations to become an actor himself. To realize this dream, he relocated from his hometown to Mumbai (then Bombay) after winning a contest organized by “Filmfare” magazine. The promised movie never materialized, but he did not give up and kept trying. Finally, in 1960, he bagged his first role in the romantic flick, “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.” After that, in 1961, he appeared in “Boy Friend” in a supporting role. In several movies, he played the typical Indian romantic hero. He appeared in a number of successful movies with actress Meena Kumari. Soon, they formed a formidable partnership, which greatly helped him establish himself among the A-listers.

Dharmendra started getting noticed when he received a Filmfare award nomination for best actor for the action flick “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” in 1971. His excellent performance helped him revamp his ‘romantic’ image to that of a talented and versatile actor. He performs in three languages: Hindi, Punjabi, and English. He was elected to parliament in 2005 and served until 2009. He has two wives: Prakash Kaur, a homemaker; and Hema Malini, an actress and a politician. He has six children, and one of his daughters and two sons are also established actors.

Career timeline

1960

His Acting Debut

Dharmendra makes his debut in the Hindi movie "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere," produced by Arjun Hingorani.

1971

The ‘Best Comedian’ Nomination

He receives a Filmfare Award nomination for ‘Best Comedian’ for his role in "Naukar Biwi Ka."

2005

A Member of Parliament

He represents the district of Bikaner in Rajasthan state on behalf of the Bhartiya Janta Party.

2012

A Civilian Honor

The Government of India honors him with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor.

2021

His Latest Appearance

He appears in a short film titled “Dream Catcher.”

Why We Love Dharmendra

He quit smoking
Fighting unhealthy habits such as smoking can be challenging, but Dharmendra got rid of this habit. In 1983, he quit smoking because he was starting to lose endurance while playing badminton. He is now a role model for other people who want to follow suit.
He loves to guide
Dharmendra's film career is packed with teachable moments. He is always willing to help others avoid the mistakes he has made. He loves to guide other strugglers and younger actors.
He is a fitness advocate
Dharmendra wants people to keep fit and maintain a healthy routine. The acting veteran is a badminton player and a weightlifter. He quit smoking and drinking to maintain good health.

5 Surprising Facts

He is a vegetarian
He was raised as a non-vegetarian but he is now a vegetarian and follows only a plant-based diet.
His loves rice
He relishes the cold and brown rice.
His favorite song
His favorite song is ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhodh Kar’ and he likes to sing it in his free time.
He is a fitness buff
He prefers yoga and cycling to stay healthy and fit.
His favorite possession
Dharmendra's favorite possession is his first car, a Fiat.