Biography of Dharmendra

(December 8, 1935)

Dharmendra remained a top Hindi film star for three decades creating an influential image of a macho man. He was fascinated with films right from his childhood. He was married at the age of 19 and took up a job with an American drilling company. Fortunately, he was noticed in a Filmfare spot talent contest, which inspired him to come to Mumbai to become an actor.

He was signed by Arjun Hingorani for 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ but he remained unrecognised. However, strong and romantic lead roles in a woman-oriented film like Anpadh', 'Bandhini' and 'Soorat Aur Seerat’ brought Dharmendra to the fore. He played roles of a romantic hero in Anupama', Manjhli Didi' and 'Satyakam'. 'Satyakam' saw Dharmendra giving his greatest ever performance.

Later he turned to action films in ‘Jugnu, Kahani Kismat ki, Sholay' and ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh'. In 1980s and 1990's he did many action roles. Dharmendra formed a hugely successful pairing with Hema Malini, his second wife.