Introduction

Dharmendra emerged from a modest Punjabi background and rose to become one of Bollywood’s most beloved action and romantic stars. He embraced a wide range of roles—romantic hero, action hero, comedian and character actor—while continuously adapting his craft. Over decades, he not only entertained millions but also expanded into production and politics, demonstrating versatility and longevity in his career.

Quick Facts

Family Background

Dharmendra grew up in a Jat Sikh family in Punjab, where his father served as a school headmaster and his mother supported the family. His upbringing instilled in him discipline and humility, which later reflected in his work ethic and screen presence. His children went on to become actors themselves, carrying forward the family’s legacy in Indian cinema.

Extended Family

Though his immediate family remains the most publicly recognized, Dharmendra’s extended Deol lineage also includes actor Abhay Deol, who is his nephew. Their connection further strengthens the family’s long-standing influence in Hindi cinema, where multiple generations continue to contribute as actors, directors, and producers.

Education

Dharmendra completed his early education in Punjab before moving to Bombay (Mumbai) to pursue acting. Though he left his formal education to follow his passion for films, his school-years helped shape the grounded personality that audiences later admired.

Career Timeline

Dharmendra’s Film Career Timeline

Recognized & Popular Movies 

Dharmendra began his journey in the early 1960s, entering the industry with romantic and emotional roles that quickly connected with audiences. As the decade progressed, he transitioned confidently into action and dramatic cinema, eventually becoming one of Bollywood’s most admired stars. With Phool Aur Patthar and later Mera Gaon Mera Desh, he embraced the action-hero persona that defined an entire era.

Later, Sholay elevated him to iconic status, and during the 1980s he continued delivering back-to-back hits while maintaining a powerful screen presence. Furthermore, he expanded his versatility by appearing in multi-starrer films. Notably, he shared the screen with Katrina Kaif in Apne (2007), where he acted alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, strengthening his on-screen legacy across generations.

As the film landscape evolved, he adapted smoothly by taking on strong character roles, producing films, and collaborating with younger actors. Consequently, Dharmendra sustained his popularity for over six decades and remained a cherished figure in Indian cinema.

Political Career 

Dharmendra entered politics in 2004 after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. He contested from Bikaner and won a seat in the 14th Lok Sabha. While he made occasional political appearances afterward, he gradually distanced himself from active political life once his parliamentary term ended.

Controversies

Although Dharmendra enjoyed immense popularity, his life came with its share of controversies. His relationship and later marriage to Hema Malini raised public and media eyebrows at the time. Additionally, his political stint triggered criticism when he made statements seen as insensitive during election campaigns. Nonetheless, his contributions to cinema have largely overshadowed these turbulence-points in the public eye.

Awards & Achievements

Dharmendra earned accolades for both his screen performances and his larger influence on Indian cinema. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognised his body of work, while the Padma Bhushan validated his cultural impact beyond filmmaking.

Personal Life

Attribute	Details
Marital Status	Married to Prakash Kaur (1954), later married Hema Malini (1980)
Children	Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol Vijayta Deol, Ajeeta Deol Esha Deol, Ahana Deol
Lifestyle	Lives between Mumbai and a farmhouse in Lonavala; maintains a relatively private personal life
Public Image	Known for his robust physique, warm demeanour and enduring screen charisma

Dharmendra’s personal life intertwined with his professional one—his marriage to Hema Malini brought both domestic change and public interest. He remains a devoted father to his children, many of whom followed his footsteps into acting. His lifestyle balances private serenity (at his farmhouse) with his iconic public persona.

Latest Health Update:

Bollywood legend Dharmendra, 89, was admitted to a Mumbai hospital on 31 October 2025 after experiencing breathlessness and overall discomfort. His family initially described it as a routine check-up, but his condition reportedly worsened, leading doctors to shift him to the ICU for closer monitoring. Some early reports suggested ventilator support, although family members clarified that he is stable and under continuous observation.

Hospital sources stated that his vital signs — including heart rate, blood pressure, and urine output — remain within acceptable limits. His wife, Hema Malini, and his son, Sunny Deol, have urged fans to remain calm, respect the family’s privacy, and keep him in their prayers. Dharmendra continues to be monitored round-the-clock as the medical team evaluates his response to treatment.

Favourites

Net Worth

Lesser-Known Facts

• He began his career after being discovered by director Arjun Hingorani.

• During his peak, he earned nicknames like “He-Man of Bollywood” and “Garam Dharam”.

• In 1987 he delivered eight successful films in a single year—a rare feat.

• He launched his son Sunny Deol’s production company and film career via Vijayta Films.

• Into his late 80s, he still endorsed and appeared in cinematic projects, showing remarkable longevity.

Key Takeaways

Social Media Handles

Latest News

• Veteran actor Dharmendra was recently revealed by his son Bobby Deol to be living with his first wife Prakash Kaur at their farmhouse, reflecting an emotional family dynamic.

• The 89-year-old actor was admitted to a Mumbai hospital with breathlessness and placed in the ICU; he is currently under observation.

• Filmmaker Karan Johar suggested a spin-off film based on the on-screen pairing of Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

• Veteran actor Dharmendra has been admitted to a Mumbai hospital after experiencing breathlessness. Doctors have shifted him to the ICU for continuous observation. His wife, Hema Malini, requested fans to pray for his speedy recovery, stating that the family is closely monitoring his condition. Industry colleagues and fans have flooded social media with wishes for his wellbeing.

• Security personnel installed police barricades outside Dharmendra’s Mumbai residence after word of his hospital admission circulated. While the actor remains under observation in the ICU, the local police confirmed the barricades were a precautionary measure to manage fan crowds and media presence during his ongoing treatment.

• False death rumours spread about Dharmendra; family confirms he is stable: Veteran actor Dharmendra, aged 89, became the subject of widespread death rumours on social media which claimed he had passed away while under treatment. Instead, his daughter Esha Deol and wife Hema Malini issued statements confirming the actor is alive, stable and recovering at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The family criticised the spread of misinformation and requested privacy as he continues to respond to treatment.

Conclusion

Dharmendra continues to embody the essence of a cinema legend—he adapted to changing eras, challenged norms and remained connected with audiences across generations. With a career that bridges romantic action, socially relevant roles and character parts, he proves that true stardom rests on talent, resilience and continual reinvention.

FAQs

Q1: What was Dharmendra’s debut film?
A1: He made his acting debut in the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960).

Q2: Why was Dharmendra called “He-Man of Bollywood”?
A2: Because of his rugged physique, action hero roles and mass appeal that earned him the nickname during his peak.

Q3: Has Dharmendra won the Padma Bhushan?
A3: Yes—he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contributions to Indian cinema.

Q4: Who are his famous actor-children?
A4: His sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol are both well-known Bollywood actors.

Q5: Is Dharmendra still active in films?
A5: Yes—Into his late 80s, he remains active in film and production, showing remarkable longevity in the industry.