Dharmendra Age, Biography, Children, Wife, Height & Net Worth

Dharmendra Biography

Full Name: Dharam Singh Deol
Date of Birth: December 8, 1935
Place of Birth: Nasrali, Punjab, British India
Occupation: Actor, Producer, Politician
Years Active: 1960 – Present
Spouse: Prakash Kaur (m. 1954), Hema Malini (m. 1980)
Children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Vijeta Deol, Ajeeta Deol

Early Life and Background

Dharmendra was born into a Punjabi Jat Sikh family in Nasrali, a village in the Ludhiana district of Punjab. His father, Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, was a school teacher. From a young age, Dharmendra was passionate about films and was particularly inspired by Dilip Kumar. He moved to Mumbai with dreams of becoming a film actor.

Bollywood Debut

Dharmendra made his (Bollywood-debut), in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. The film wasn’t a major success, but his talent and good looks caught the attention of filmmakers. Over the next few years, he gradually built his career, taking on various roles that helped him establish his presence in the industry.

Rise to Stardom

Dharmendra’s breakthrough came in the 1960s with romantic films like Anpadh (1962), Bandini (1963), and Phool Aur Patthar (1966). Phool Aur Patthar was a massive success and marked the beginning of his journey as a Bollywood superstar. His performance earned him his first Filmfare nomination for Best Actor.

In the 1970s, Dharmendra became one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood, known for his versatility across genres. He was especially known for his action-hero persona, earning the nickname “He-Man” of Bollywood because of his rugged appearance and physicality. His films Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), and Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) were box-office successes.

Iconic Films and Career Peak

Dharmendra’s career reached its peak with the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, one of the greatest films in Indian cinema. He portrayed the lovable and brave character Veeru, alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai. The film became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Dharmendra’s position as one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars.

Other notable films from this period include:

• •ChupkeChupke(1975) – A timeless comedy-directed by (Hrishikesh-Mukherjee).
• • Dharam Veer (1977) – A swashbuckling adventure film.
• • The Burning Train (1980) – A multi-starrer action film.
• • Pratigya (1975) – A popular action drama.

Versatility and Acting Style

Though widely known for his action roles, Dharmendra showcased his versatility through romantic and comedic performances. He played a variety of roles, from intense, action-packed characters to sensitive, romantic leads. His charm and natural on-screen presence made him a favorite among directors and audiences alike.

Film Producer

In addition to acting, Dhar also ventured into film production. He produced films like Ghayal (1990), starring his son Sunny Deol, which became a critical and commercial success. Ghayal received multiple Filmfare Awards and the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Political Career

Dhar entered politics in the early 2000s. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner, Rajasthan, in 2004. Though he remained active in politics for a brief period, his passion for films and acting always took precedence.

Personal Life

Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, and they have two sons, (Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol), who are both successful actors. In 1980, he married actress Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Dharmendra shares a strong bond with all his children and has often appeared in films with his sons.

Later Career

In the 1990s and 2000s, Dhar began taking fewer roles but continued to act occasionally. Some of his notable later films include Life in a… Metro (2007) and Apne (2007), where he appeared alongside his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol. Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) was another family-friendly film that became a popular comedy hit, leading to several sequels.

Legacy

Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema is immense. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has acted in over 300 films. Known as one of the most handsome and charismatic actors of his generation, he has left an indelible mark on Bollywood. His combination of action, romance, and comedy in films, along with his humble and down-to-earth personality, earned him fans across generations.
In 2012, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema. His influence on Bollywood and Indian pop culture is profound, and he remains a beloved figure in the hearts of millions of fans.
Dharmendra continues to be active in the film industry, occasionally making appearances in films and supporting the careers of his children and grandchildren, ensuring the Deol legacy lives on.

Dharmendra Movies

Dharmendra is one of the most celebrated actors in Bollywood, with a career spanning over six decades. He has appeared in over 300 films across various genres, from action and drama to comedy and romance. Here is a list of some of his most notable and iconic movies:

Early Career Films

1. Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) – Dharmendr debut film, marking the beginning of his Bollywood journey.
2. Anpadh (1962) – A drama that showcased Dharmendrs early acting talent.
3. Bandini (1963) – Directed by Bimal Roy, this film was critically acclaimed and gave Dharmendr recognition as a serious actor.

Breakthrough Films

1. Phool Aur Patthar (1966) – Dharmendra’s first major hit, which catapulted him to stardom. It also earned him his first Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actor.
2. Anupama (1966) – A sensitive drama where Dharmendra played a thoughtful and romantic character.
3. Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966) – A romantic drama that further cemented his leading man status.

Action and Drama Films

1. Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) – A rural action drama that solidified Dharmendr’s status as a leading action hero.

2. Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) – A cult classic, directed by Nasir Hussain, where Dharmendra played a key role in this musical drama.
3. Pratigya (1975) – A popular action-packed film where Dharmendr portrayed a tough yet comical police officer.

Iconic Films

1. Sholay (1975) – Dharmendr played the legendary role of Veeru in this all-time blockbuster. The film is considered one of the greatest in (Indian-cinema) history.
2. Chupke Chupke (1975) – A comedy directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, where Dharmendr’s comic timing and chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan were widely appreciated.
3. Dharam Veer (1977) – A swashbuckling adventure film that became a big hit.

Romantic Films

1. Satyakam (1969) – One of Dharmendr’s most critically acclaimed performances, this film is considered a masterpiece.
2. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) – A hit comedy where Dharmendr starred opposite Hema Malini.
3. Blackmail (1973) – A romantic thriller that became quite popular.

Multi-Starrer and Ensemble Cast Films

1. The Burning Train (1980) – A multi-starrer disaster film where Dharmendr played one of the leads.
2. Rajput (1982) – A patriotic drama with an ensemble cast, including Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini.
3. Kaajal (1965) – A family drama film that was a huge success.

Later Films and Collaborations with His Sons

1. Ghayal (1990) – Produced by Dharmendra, this action drama starred his son Sunny Deol in the lead and became a huge hit.
2. Life in a… Metro (2007) – Dharmendra gave a mature and heartfelt performance in this multi-narrative drama.
3. Apne (2007) – A family drama featuring Dharmendr alongside his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol.
4. Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) – A comedy film that reunited Dharmendra with his sons. The film was a commercial success and became a popular family entertainer.
5. Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013) and Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se (2018) – Sequels to the original, continuing the family fun dynamic.

Notable Collaborations with Hema Malini

1. Jugnu (1973) – A romantic thriller starring Dharmendra and Hema Malini.
2. Raja Jani (1972) – A romantic drama that showcased the beloved on-screen chemistry between Dharmendra and Hema Malini.
3. Sharafat (1970) – A romantic drama that paired Dharmendra with Hema Malini, contributing to their status as one of Bollywood’s favorite on-screen couples.

Other Memorable Films

1. Loha (1987) – An action-packed thriller where Dharmendra showcased his “He-Man” persona.
2. Haqeeqat (1964) – A war film based on the Indo-China war, one of Dharmendra’s early landmark films.
3. Jugnu (1973) – Another action-comedy hit that contributed to his image as an action star.

Recent Films

1. Tell Me O Kkhuda (2011) – Dharmendra appeared in this family drama, which was directed by his daughter Esha Deol.
2. Second Hand Husband (2015) – A comedy film where Dharmendra played a supporting role, charming audiences with his veteran presence.

Legacy Films

1. Baazi (1968) – A crime drama that is still remembered for Dharmendra’s intense performance.
2. Resham Ki Dori (1974) – A family drama where Dharmendra portrayed a brother’s protective love.
3. Shalimar (1978) – A suspense thriller that saw Dharmendra in a pivotal role.

Upcoming Projects

Dharmendra remains active in selective projects, often making cameos and special appearances in films starring his sons and family.

Dharmendra Health and fitness

Known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, Dharmendra has been admired for his fitness and rugged physique throughout his career. Even in his later years, he continues to prioritize his health, leading an active lifestyle. Here’s a glimpse into his approach to health and fitness:

Early Fitness Routine

During his peak years in Bollywood, Dharmendra was celebrated for his muscular and athletic build. He followed a strict fitness regime that combined:

• Weight Training: Dharmendra focused on lifting weights to build and maintain muscle mass. He was known for his strong arms and powerful physique, which helped him in his action-hero roles.
• Cardio: Along with weight training, Dharmendra incorporated cardiovascular exercises like running and walking to improve endurance and stay fit for physically demanding roles.
• Diet: In his younger years, he maintained a balanced diet, focusing on home-cooked, nutritious meals. His diet included lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which provided him the energy for his physically active lifestyle.

Fitness in Later Years

As Dharmendra aged, he adapted his fitness routine to suit his body while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

1. Daily Walks: Dharmendra continues to prioritize regular walks, which are a low-impact form of exercise that promotes cardiovascular health and overall well-being. He enjoys taking long walks, especially in open, natural environments, which also helps him relax mentally.
2. Yoga: In his later years, Dharmendra has embraced yoga to maintain flexibility, balance, and mental peace. Yoga helps him stay agile and improve his body’s core strength without putting too much strain on his joints.
3. Moderate Weight Training: While he no longer lifts heavy weights, Dharmendra continues to do moderate resistance training to keep his muscles toned and maintain strength, focusing on bodyweight exercises and lighter weights.

Diet and Nutrition

1. Balanced Diet: Dharmendra has always believed in eating a simple, balanced diet. He avoids processed foods and junk food and focuses on traditional, home-cooked meals. His diet consists of:
   > Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
   > Lean Proteins: Such as lentils, chicken, and fish, which help maintain muscle mass.
   > Whole Grains: Like rice, chapati, and other grains that provide energy.
   > Hydration: Dharmendra drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
2. Portion Control: In later years, he has practiced portion control to manage his weight and avoid overeating, ensuring he eats just enough to fuel his body without excess calories.
3. Occasional Indulgence: Though disciplined, Dharmendra enjoys occasional indulgences, especially sweets, but ensures to keep it in moderation.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

1. Staying Active Mentally: Dharmendra believes in keeping his mind sharp as part of his overall fitness. He reads, writes, and stays involved with his family and film projects, which keeps him mentally engaged and emotionally healthy.
2. Stress Management: Over the years, Dharmendra has faced various challenges, including health issues, but he manages stress through meditation and spending time with nature, which helps him maintain inner peace.
3. Family Bonds: Spending time with his children and grandchildren has played a significant role in his emotional well-being. Dharmendra often shares that family is an important part of his life, and the joy from these relationships keeps him positive and happy.

Avoiding Unhealthy Habits

Dharmendra has always avoided excessive smoking, drinking, or any habits that could negatively impact his health. He believes that staying disciplined in lifestyle choices is key to living a long, healthy life.

Philosophy on Aging

As Dharmendra has grown older, he acknowledges the natural aging process but does not let it slow him down. His philosophy revolves around accepting aging gracefully while continuing to stay active and fit. He believes in:

• Positive Thinking: Dharmendra advocates for a positive mindset, emphasizing that a happy mind leads to a healthy body.
• Staying Humble: He is known for his humility and simplicity, which contributes to his mental well-being.
• Enjoying Life: Dharmendra believes in enjoying the small moments in life, whether it’s spending time with family, watching the sunrise, or indulging in hobbies.

Health Challenges

Like anyone in their senior years, Dharmendra has faced certain health challenges over time, including minor injuries and age-related conditions. However, his proactive approach to fitness and his mental strength have helped him overcome these challenges.

Fitness Legacy

Dharmendra’s dedication to fitness has inspired generations of Bollywood actors, including his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, who follow similar fitness routines. Even in his later years, Dharmendra remains an icon of health and strength, setting an example of how to live a balanced and active lifestyle, even in old age.

In conclusion, Dharmendra’s approach to fitness is holistic, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. His ability to adapt his fitness routine with age while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a testament to his lifelong commitment to health, making him a true fitness icon in Bollywood.