Dharmendra Singh Deol Biography Bollywood Net Worth Age

Dharmendra Biography: The Legendary He-Man of Bollywood

Dharmendra, often referred to as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, is one of Indian cinema’s most iconic and beloved actors. With a career spanning over six decades, he has acted in more than 300 films, earning a reputation as an action hero, romantic lead, and versatile performer. From his humble beginnings in a small village to becoming a superstar, Dharmendra’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.

This biography covers his early life, education, Bollywood career, personal life, social media presence, net worth, and lesser-known facts.

Dharmendra Early Life & Education

Birth & Family Background

• Full Name: Dharmendra Singh Deol
• Date of Birth: December 8, 1935
• Place of Birth: Nasrali, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan)
• Parents: Kewal Kishan Singh Deol (father) and Satwant Kaur (mother)
• Siblings: Two brothers (Ajit Singh Deol and Parkash Singh Deol) and one sister (Surinder Kaur)

Dharmendra was born into a Jat Sikh family in a small village in Punjab. After the partition of India in 1947, his family migrated to Sahnewal, Ludhiana, Punjab, where he spent his childhood.

Education

• Schooling: Studied at Government Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana
• College: Graduated from Ramgarhia College, Phagwara
• Early Interests: Acting and poetry

Dharmendra was passionate about films from a young age. Despite his family’s modest background, he dreamt of becoming an actor.

Dharmendra Entry into Bollywood

Winning Filmfare’s Talent Contest

In 1960, Dharmendra won the Filmfare New Talent Award, which opened doors for him in Bollywood. His good looks and strong screen presence caught the attention of producers.

Debut Film: “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” (1960)

• Director: Arjun Hingorani
• Co-star: Nutan
• Box Office: Average performance
  Despite a lukewarm response, Dharmendra’s potential was recognized.

Breakthrough Role: “Phool Aur Patthar” (1966)

• Director: O.P. Ralhan
• Co-star: Meena Kumari
• Impact: Established him as an action hero

This film was a turning point in his career, earning him the title of “Action King” of Bollywood.

Rise to Stardom: The 1960s-1980s

Romantic Hero Era (1960s-70s)

Dharmendra became a heartthrob with films like:

• “Bandini” (1963) – Worked with Nutan
• “Satyakam” (1969) – Critically acclaimed performance
• “Sholay” (1975) – Iconic role as Veeru
• “Chupke Chupke” (1975) – Comedy genius with Amitabh Bachchan
• “Seeta Aur Geeta” (1972) – Double role, won Filmfare Best Actor

Action Hero Phase (1980s-90s)

• “Dharam Veer” (1977) – Cult classic
• “Ghazab” (1982) – Comedy-action hit
• “Hukumat” (1987) – Mass entertainer

Dharmendra Collaboration with Hema Malini

Dharmendra and Hema Malini were one of Bollywood’s most loved on-screen pairs. They acted in over 30 films together, including:

• “Dream Girl” (1977)
• “Raja Jani” (1972)
• “The Burning Train” (1980)

Their chemistry extended off-screen, leading to marriage in 1980.

Later Career & Comebacks

2000s: Supporting & Character Roles

• “Apne” (2007) – Reunited with sons Sunny and Bobby Deol
• “Yamla Pagla Deewana” series (2011, 2013, 2018) – Comedy franchise
• “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” (2023) – Played Ranveer Singh’s grandfather

OTT & Recent Projects

• “Tara Rum Pum” (2023, web series) – Made his digital debut

Dharmendra Personal Life

Marriages & Children

1. First Wife: Prakash Kaur (1954–present)
   • Married in an arranged wedding
   • Children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijayta Deol (daughter)
   • Despite separation, they remain legally married
2. Second Wife: Hema Malini (1980–present)
   • Married after a long affair
   • Children: Esha Deol, Ahana Deol

Dharmendra Political Career

• Member of Parliament (MP) from Bikaner (2004-2009) on a BJP ticket
• Active in social causes, especially in Punjab

Social Media Presence

Despite his age, Dharmendra remains active on social media.

• Twitter (X): @aapkadharam – 4.5M followers
• Instagram: @dharmendradeol – 2.1M followers
• Facebook: Dharmendra – 3M followers

He often shares throwback pictures, family moments, and motivational posts.

Dharmendra Net Worth (2024)

• Estimated Net Worth: $60 million (₹500 crores)
• Sources of Income: Films, brand endorsements, real estate
• Luxury Assets: Bungalow in Mumbai, farmhouse in Lonavala

Awards & Honors

• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997)
• Padma Bhushan (2012) – India’s third-highest civilian award
• IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)

Lesser-Known Facts About Dharmendra

1. Poetry Lover: Writes Punjabi poetry under the pen name “Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke.”
2. Stunt Performer: Did most of his stunts without a body double.
3. First Kiss on Screen: With Zeenat Aman in “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (1973).
4. Rejected Hollywood: Was offered a role in a Hollywood film but declined due to family commitments.
5. Philanthropy: Runs a trust for underprivileged children in Punjab.

Conclusion

Dharmendra’s legacy in Bollywood is unmatched. From a struggling actor to a superstar, his journey reflects hard work, passion, and resilience. Even at 88, he continues to charm audiences with his wit and talent.

His life is a testament to the fact that dreams do come true with dedication. As he often says, “Zindagi jeene ka naam, darr ke aage jeet hai.” (The key to life is to move beyond fear.)