Happy Birthday Dharmendra: An icon's journey through Bollywood's peaks and valleys
Happy Birthday Dharmendra: Dharmendra, the legendary He-Man of Hindi cinema, celebrates his 88th birthday today, marking an illustrious career that defies age and continues to command the silver screen. Amidst this milestone, he remains a vibrant force, embracing roles in significant films like 'Rocky and Rani' while setting a record with an on-screen kissing scene.
Despite his age, Dharmendra stands as the oldest and most active figure in Bollywood. His schedule brims with upcoming projects, including 'Dinky,' 'Apne 2,' and an unnamed romantic venture. This year, not only Dharmendra but the Deols as a family have marked milestones. Sunny Deol's 'Gadar-2' clinched the third-highest grossing film of 2023, while Bobby Deol's 'Animal' broke records set by 'Gadar-2.'
On this special day, dive into the remarkable journey spanning eight decades of Dharam Paaji, born into the home of Headmaster Kewal Kishan Deol. The story unfolds in 1935 in the village of Sahnewal, Punjab, amidst British India. Kewal Kishan, Dharmendra's father, served as the sole headmaster. December 8, 1935, marked the birth of Dharmendra Kewal Kishan, growing up in a lively Punjabi Jat household.
Under his father's tutelage at the Government Senior Secondary School, Dharmendra's playful nature often got him scolded. His striking handsomeness, acknowledged by him, emerged early. At just 19, he tied the knot with Prakash Kaur in 1954. 1954 signaled a turning point in Dharmendra's life when he encountered a Filmfare talent hunt ad, beckoning aspiring actors to Mumbai. Despite newfound marital commitments, he embarked on the journey to Mumbai, a city of dreams, winning the competition with remarkable talent. However, despite his victory, film offers eluded him.
Struggling to make ends meet, he took odd jobs while relentlessly visiting producers' offices. Some days brought a meager meal; others left him sleepless on an empty stomach. One dire day, Dharmendra, plagued by hunger, ingested an Isabgol packet out of desperation, leading to a hospital visit due to severe stomach pain and diarrhea. Amidst the adversity, Dharmendra secured a role in Arjun Hingorani's 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere,' earning a modest Rs 51, sustaining himself in Hingorani's garage due to no fixed residence.
His breakthrough came with films like 'Surat Aur Seerat,' 'Bandini,' 'Aayi Milan Ki Bela,' 'Baharen Phir Aayengi,' 'Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya,' and 'Dulhan Ek Raat Ki,' establishing him as a romantic lead in the 1960s. His on-screen charm caught Meena Kumari's eye, leading to a close relationship. However, the strain of stardom on their affair left Meena shattered. Despite her illness, Dharmendra distanced himself, eventually culminating in their emotional confrontation at a film party.
Dharmendra's versatility shone through as he transitioned from a romantic lead to an action hero in the 1970s with hits like 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh,' 'Sita Aur Geeta,' 'Samadhi,' 'Raja Jani,' 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat,' and 'Sholay,' etching his place in Bollywood history. His pivotal role exchange with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Zanjeer' propelled Amitabh to stardom, showcasing Dharmendra's generous spirit.
However, Dharmendra's iconic journey extends beyond the reel. He holds a farmhouse in Lonavala, nurturing it with a love akin to parenting. His car collection features prized possessions like the Mercedes Benz SL 500 and a cherished Fiat from 1960. Additionally, his entrepreneurial spirit led to the launch of the Garam-Dharam Dhaba restaurant chain, commencing with the He-Man establishment on the Karnal Highway in 2022.
Amidst accolades and enduring roles, Dharmendra remains a beacon in the world of Hindi cinema, honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, immortalising his legacy as one of the industry's greatest icons.
- With inputs from agencies
