Another golden era in the Indian film industry came to an end with the passing of the iconic actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as Bollywood's He-Man. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy spanning more than six decades.
Dharmendra is celebrated not only for his legendary status but also for his ability to portray both power and sensitivity, establishing him as one of the most commercially successful and beloved actors in the history of Indian cinema.
Born with the name Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, on December 8, 1935, he made a significant impact on Hindi cinema with his rugged appearance, versatile acting skills, and emotional depth.
His Bollywood journey encompassed over 300 films, featuring iconic performances in the cult classic ‘Sholay’, besides ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Dharam Veer’ and 'Pratigya'. These roles demonstrated his impressive versatility across genres, including action, romance, comedy, and drama.
His most recent film was ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles. However, his final movie will be ‘Ikkis’, with the poster unveiled just hours before the actor's death.
However, Dharmendra’s portrayal of Veeru in Sholay will continue to serve as a benchmark in Hindi cinema. Upon its initial release, Sholay was the perfect blend of action, star power, memorable music, and the timeless battle between good and evil.
His charismatic and dynamic performance infused the character with both humour and intensity, while his legendary chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan played a major role in the film’s enduring cultural impact. This combination was exactly what audiences loved at the time, further amplified by extraordinary star power.
Despite the film initially premiering primarily in large urban centres due to its unparalleled excitement, it took several months to reach cinemas in smaller towns like mine in the Indian state of Kerala.
When the film finally arrived at a theatre in our town a year after its release, during the Christmas break, I received my parents' permission to see it with my friends, even though we had no understanding of Hindi. We were just teenagers back then.
Upon arriving at the cinema hall before the designated time, my friends and I encountered a large crowd waiting outside. This was typical back then. After a long wait in line, we finally managed to get tickets for the "second class."
The cinema theatres of earlier times were divided into three sections: the lower stalls, which included the front rows and were usually occupied by passionate movie fans. This crowd applauded and whistled during both thrilling and romantic scenes. Behind them were the middle and upper seats, located in the back rows and often filled by the middle and upper classes of society, respectively.
Honestly, we didn't understand the conversations in the movie, but we enjoyed those ‘heroic moments.’ It was only years later, after I had joined journalism and learned Hindi, that while watching the film at a festival screening, I realised the identities of Veeru, Gabbar, and the other characters in the film.
However, it is the indelible character of Veeru from Sholay that is embedded in the global legendary consciousness. I consider it one of the most important films ever made, although not necessarily one of the finest.
But perhaps his greatest and most surprising gift was comedy. ‘Chupke Chupke’ alone is enough to elevate him to the upper echelons of comic performers, but watch him in ‘Dillagi’ and you will see just how confident and comfortable he was.
His death comes just a couple of weeks before what would have been his 90th birthday, marking the end of a remarkable journey that shaped generations of Indian film lovers. He leaves behind more than a body of work—he leaves an emotional connection with millions.
During an interview with The Telegraph of Calcutta, the veteran actor said, “I have always believed in being sincere in whatever I do. So, I take one thing at a time. Moreover, when you love to do something, you always find time for it. It is time for the younger generation in films. I am hanging around because I love acting!”
Now his reel has ended. Dear Dharmendraji, your soul will live on forever through your films and your wonderful family. May your soul find eternal peace!
Samuel Kutty
The writer is a freelance journalist and author who worked in Oman and India
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
