Early Life and Education
Dharmendra was born on 8 December 1935 in the village of Sahnewal, Ludhiana district, Punjab, into a Jat Sikh family. His father, Kewal Krishan Singh Deol, was a school teacher and headmaster, while his mother, Satwant Kaur, was a homemaker.
He completed his schooling at Government Senior Secondary School in Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, and later studied at Ramgarhia College, Phagwara. Coming from a modest rural background, young Dharmendra nurtured a dream of becoming a film actor. In the 1950s, he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue his passion for cinema.
Entry into Films
Dharmendra’s entry into Bollywood came after he won the Filmfare New Talent Hunt. He made his debut in 1960 with the film “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.” His good looks and natural screen presence quickly got him noticed by filmmakers.
He initially appeared in romantic and emotional roles in films like Bandini (1963), Soorat Aur Seerat (1962), and Anpadh (1962). His first major breakthrough came with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), which established him as a versatile and bankable star.
Rise to Stardom
During the late 1960s and 1970s, Dharmendra became one of Bollywood’s most popular heroes. He was often called the “He-Man of Bollywood” for his strong physique, masculine screen image, and powerful performances.
Some of his memorable films from this golden era include:
- Anupama (1966)
- Chupke Chupke (1975)
- Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
- Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)
- Dharam Veer (1977)
- The Burning Train (1980)
But his most iconic performance remains Veeru in the all-time blockbuster Sholay (1975). His comic timing, chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan, and romantic angle with Basanti (Hema Malini) made the character unforgettable.
By the late 1970s, Dharmendra was among the highest-paid actors in India, admired equally for romance, comedy, and action roles.
Later Career and Character Roles
In the 1980s and 1990s, Dharmendra continued acting in films such as Hukumat (1987), Batwara (1989), and Krodh (1990). As he aged, he gracefully transitioned into supporting and fatherly roles.
In the 2000s, he appeared in films like Life in a… Metro (2007) and Apne (2007), alongside his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. The Yamla Pagla Deewana series (2011–2018) reunited the Deol family on screen and became hugely popular with fans.
His recent appearance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) earned appreciation for his charm and emotional depth, proving that age has not dimmed his screen presence.
Personal Life
Dharmendra married his childhood sweetheart Prakash Kaur in 1954. They have four children:
- Sunny Deol (actor, director, politician)
- Bobby Deol (actor)
- Vijayta Deol
- Ajeeta Deol
In 1980, Dharmendra married actress Hema Malini. They have two daughters — Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
His family is one of Bollywood’s most respected film dynasties. The Deols have maintained a strong presence across generations in Indian cinema.
Political Career
Dharmendra joined politics in the early 2000s and contested the 2004 General Elections as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan. He won and served as a Member of Parliament till 2009.
Though his political career was relatively short, it reflected his immense popularity among the masses.
Awards and Honours
Dharmendra has received numerous awards during his illustrious career:
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997)
- Padma Bhushan (2012) – India’s third-highest civilian honour
- National Film Awards for family productions
- Recognized in several public polls as one of Bollywood’s most handsome and loved stars
Despite being one of the biggest stars of his time, Dharmendra often joked about not receiving enough “Best Actor” awards, saying he used to prepare a new suit every year expecting one.
Net Worth and Assets
Dharmendra’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around ₹ 335 – ₹ 450 crore (approximately US $40–50 million). His income comes from decades of acting, film production, business ventures, and real-estate investments.
Key assets and investments include:
- A luxurious 100-acre farmhouse in Lonavala, near Mumbai
- Multiple properties and agricultural land in Maharashtra and Punjab
- Ownership of popular restaurants and themed eateries such as “Garam Dharam Dhaba” and “He-Man Dhaba” on the Delhi–Karnal Highway
- A fleet of luxury cars including Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and vintage classics
- His film production banner, which has launched and supported several Deol family films
In his 2019 election affidavit, his declared assets were approximately ₹ 124 crore, though his total wealth is now believed to be much higher due to business expansions and property appreciation.
Legacy and Contribution
Dharmendra is remembered as one of the most beloved and charismatic actors in Indian cinema. His career spanned over six decades with more than 300 films, ranging across romance, action, comedy, and family drama.
He changed the perception of the Bollywood hero — combining charm, humour, and raw strength. His performances in Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, and Chupke Chupke are still considered classics.
His sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and wife Hema Malini, have carried forward his cinematic legacy, making the Deols one of Bollywood’s most iconic families.
Even today, Dharmendra remains an adored figure for multiple generations — a symbol of old-school charm, humility, and timeless stardom.
Born in a small Punjabi village, Dharmendra rose to become one of India’s greatest film stars. From humble beginnings to being crowned the “He-Man of Bollywood,” his journey is an inspiration in itself. With a successful career, enduring popularity, and a family that continues his legacy, Dharmendra stands tall as a true legend of Indian cinema.
