Dharmendra, a legendary figure in Bollywood, is more than just an actor; he’s a producer, a former politician, and a cultural icon. This comprehensive look explores his life, both on and off screen.
Biography/Wiki
Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village, Ludhiana, Punjab, Dharmendra’s early life was shaped by his rural upbringing. He wasn’t a stellar student, often preferring the allure of films to school. His high school education was at Government Senior Secondary School, Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana, and he briefly attended R.G. (Ramgarhia) College, Phagwara, before leaving after 12th standard.
His passion for cinema began early. A fervent admirer of Suraiya, he would walk great distances to watch her films, seeing *Dillagi* an astounding 40 times! His mother’s encouragement led him to participate in a Filmfare contest. Winning a talent hunt, he moved to Mumbai to pursue his dreams.
Physical Appearance
Standing at approximately 5’8″ and weighing around 75 kg, Dharmendra is known for his striking features and charismatic presence.
Family & Caste
Hailing from a Jat Sikh family in Ludhiana, Dharmendra is the son of Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, a schoolteacher, and Satwant Kaur. He has a brother, Ajit Singh Deol. In 1954, at the age of 19, he married Prakash Kaur. They have two sons, Sunny Deol (Ajay Singh Deol) and Bobby Deol (Vijay Singh Deol), and two daughters, Vijeeta and Ajeeta.
His later marriage to Hema Malini in 1980, after converting to Islam due to his first wife’s refusal to divorce him, remains a prominent aspect of his personal life. He and Hema have two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
Career
Dharmendra’s acting career began in 1960 with *Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere*, earning him a modest Rs. 51. Initially cast as a romantic hero, his breakthrough came with *Phool Aur Patthar* (1966), which catapulted him to stardom and garnered his first Filmfare nomination.
He successfully collaborated with many leading actresses of his time. His pairings with Meena Kumari and especially Hema Malini are legendary, creating some of Bollywood’s most memorable films, including the iconic *Sholay*. He also ventured into film production, launching his sons, Sunny and Bobby, into the industry.
Beyond acting, Dharmendra also served as a member of the 14th Lok Sabha, representing Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Controversies
Dharmendra’s personal life has been marked by controversy, particularly surrounding his marriage to Hema Malini and the resulting media scrutiny.
- Criticism for his political career and statements
- Media attention on his family appearances
- A legal dispute related to a food business investment
Awards
Dharmendra’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards:
- National Film Award (1991)
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997)
- IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
- Padma Bhushan (2012)
Assets/Properties, Car Collection, Net Worth
| Asset Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Land | Over ?88 Lakh |
| Non-Agricultural Land | Over ?52 Lakh |
| Mumbai Building | Over ?17 Crore |
| Car Collection | Range Rover, Mercedes Benz S-Class, Vintage Car |
| Net Worth (approx. 2014) | ?23 Crore |
Favourite Things & Facts
Dharmendra’s hobbies include cycling, traveling, and watching movies. His favorite film is *Dillagi* (1949). He admires Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, and counts Suraiya and Nutan among his favorite actresses.
He is known for his occasional alcohol consumption and non-vegetarian diet. His Mumbai residence is at Plot No. 22, 111th Road, Juhu. He is famously known as “Garam Dharam,” a nickname that even inspired a restaurant chain.
His unique screen presence and bond with Amitabh Bachchan during the filming of *Sholay* are legendary parts of Bollywood history.
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