By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Dharmendra, dashing 'n' macho, has spelled magic in Hindi films for above three decades (1960s, 1970s and 1980s). Being a symbol of masculinity in Hindi cinema, he not only won the hearts of the audiences but also enthralled the queens of filmdom. Dharmendra, the man with sex appeal, was a fine-looking hero in his time.

Born as Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in Phagwara, Punjab, he was a lover of Hindi films right from his childhood age. He would travel miles to see films. Describing his enthusiasm for films, Dharmjee once stated, "I watched DILLAGI (1949) starring Suraiya at least 40 times." He was a passionate movie buff. Before stepping in films, he had joined an American drilling company but soon realized his potential for films and instead of wasting his talent with this job, he decided to pursue with the film career.

He knew he was not a common man but an actor and just needed a platform to showcase his skills. Eventually, Dharmendra explored it by participating in the Filmfare spot the talent contest for acting. But when he gave a screen test, a director suggested him to play hockey instead of joining the world of stars since his body structure was heavily muscular and was not for film type. Dharmendra was upset with the harsh comment of the director. Fortunately for him, there was producer Arjun Hingorani who noticed the hidden talent of the actor and signed him for his film DIL BHI TERA HUM BHI TERE (1960). The fee he received for this dream job, was Rs. 51 and a daily breakfast with tea and toast at a local restaurant.

His debut venture unfortunately went unnoticed and fell flat at the box office making him much worried about his future in showbiz. But he did not lose his hope and accepted even heroine-dominated films in early sixties. BANDINI (with Nutan), ANPADH (with Mala Sinha) and MAIN BHI LADKI HOON (with Meena Kumari) gave him a bit of stand in film world. He also signed a film, AAYE MILAN KI BELA, as the second lead hero. With him, superstar Rajendra Kumar played the main hero and Saira Bano the leading heroine. Then the movies, HAQEEQAT, KAJAL and MAMTA came his way making him a busy star altogether who was doing many a films at that time...most of them with Meena Kumari. PHOOL AUR PATHAR (1966) opposite Meena Kumari proved a super hit making more room for the actor in the stardom.

A sensitive side of Dharmendra's personality was seen in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's flick ANUPAMA (1966) with Sharmila Tagore. In the era of seventies, Dharamjee decided to do the films laced with action. Following, he acted in a revenge drama, JEEVAN MRITYU (1970). After being paired with Kumari, Asha Parekh and Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra now turned towards the dream girl Hema Malini. This romantic pair bagged seven straight successes, SHARAFAT, TUM HASEEN MAIN JAWAN, NAYA ZAMANA, RAJA JANI, SEETA AUR GEETA, JUGNU AND DOST. Then the biggest hit SHOLAY (1975) took the two high in fame. Their off-screen love affair was by then on every body's tongue. Soon they got married and Hema happensto be his second wife. In SHOLAY, Dharmendra's co-star was none other than Big B (Amitabh Bachchan). This pair was liked much by the audiences and the critics alike. They also gave another hit, RAM BALRAM.

After SHOLAY, his comedy was in heavy demand. And the songs like, "Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jati Hai Tu (SHOLAY)" and "Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana (PARTIGIYA)" in which his comic performances revealed his talent for this genre hit the jackpot exceptionally.

His fun-filled acting in the movie, CHUPKE SE showcased his true expertise in this department. In the late seventies and early eighties, Dharmjee oozed out as a comic-romantic and an action hero. He showed his versatility by delivering all performances with much ease and brilliance.

 Films like GHULAMI (1985), BATWARA (1989) and HATHYAR (1989) made him much noticeable amongst his contemporaries.

Dharmendra launched his sons Sunny Deol in BETAB (1983" and Bobby Deol in BARSAAT (1995). Today both are rated amongst the biggies in movies world with their dashing personalities and good-headed acting skills. His daughter from Heema Malini, Esha Deol has also started her career in films some years back with the movie, KOI MERE DIL SE POOCHAY.

In Dharmjee's career, some of his movies did well and some fell flat straightly and some went as averages. Except SHOLAY...unfortunately for him, no name comes in mind, which might have hit the box office with much oomph. He has never won any major award in his entire showbiz life. Way back in 1997, Filmfare awarded him "The Lifetime Achievement Award" for his boisterous performances in his career.

One thing makes Dharmendra unique is that his movies are lively and forever fresh providing the viewers long lasting joys. Dharmendra...a name that should always be praised whenever Hindi cinema is discussed.

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