Dharmendra

Classic 1960–2025

The original “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, Dharmendra excelled equally in action, romance and comedy across a career spanning six decades. His Veeru in Sholay is one of the most-loved characters in Indian film. He is the patriarch of the Deol acting dynasty.

Honours: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award; Padma Bhushan.

Filmography

The 1970s–80s

1975

Sholay

Action Adventure Dir. Ramesh Sippy

The greatest curry western — Gabbar Singh became cinema’s most iconic villain.

1975

Sholay

Action Adventure Dir. Ramesh Sippy

The retro touchstone every masala film still measures itself against.

Signature Roles

Chupke Chupke

Phool Aur Patthar

Yaadon Ki Baaraat

Seeta Aur Geeta

Best known for: Sholay · Chupke Chupke · Phool Aur Patthar · Yaadon Ki Baaraat · Seeta Aur Geeta

Did You Know?

Sholay (1975) ran for over five years at Mumbai’s Minerva theatre and its dialogues are quoted to this day.
Mother India (1957) was India’s first film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) was the first Indian film shot in CinemaScope widescreen.

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