Dharmendra, fondly known as Bollywood's "He-Man," remains an iconic and enduring figure in Indian cinema. His journey from a small-town boy in Punjab to a celebrated superstar is a testament to his hard work, versatility, and charisma. With a career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films, Dharmendra has left an indelible mark on the hearts of moviegoers.

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Sahnewal, Punjab, he harbored a passion for acting from a young age. He won Filmfare magazine's nationally organised new talent award and went to Mumbai from Punjab to work in the movie. His debut in Bollywood came in 1960 with Arjun Hingorani's "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere". While the film went largely unnoticed, it marked the beginning of an illustrious career.

Dharmendra's rise to prominence began in the mid-1960s with films like "Ayee Milan Ki Bela" and "Phool Aur Patthar". "Phool Aur Patthar" (1966) was his first major hit, establishing him as a leading man with a distinct screen presence. Initially known as a romantic actor, his imposing height, rugged good looks, and versatility made him a natural fit for action-oriented roles. By the 1970s, he solidified his position as an action hero with films like "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971), "Rakhwala" (1971), and "Jugnu" (1973).

His portrayal of Veeru in the 1975 blockbuster "Sholay," alongside Amitabh Bachchan, became iconic and remains one of the most memorable roles in Indian cinema. "Sholay" broke records and became an integral part of Indian popular culture. Dharmendra was the highest-paid cast member in the film, with a salary of 1.5 lakh rupees.

Dharmendra's versatility extended beyond action, as he delivered memorable performances in comedy films such as "Chupke Chupke" (1975) and "Dillagi". His ability to seamlessly transition between genres cemented his status as a complete actor.

Dharmendra shared a successful on-screen pairing with Hema Malini, whom he later married. Together, they starred in numerous films, including "Tum Haseen Main Jawaan," "Seeta Aur Geeta," "Raja Jani," and "Sholay". Their chemistry and on-screen presence made them one of Bollywood's most beloved couples.

In 1983, Dharmendra established his own production company, Vijayta Films, launching his elder son Sunny Deol in the film "Betaab," which became a major success. He also produced the action film "Ghayal" in 1990, starring Sunny Deol.

Dharmendra's career experienced a slump in the 1990s, but he continued to appear in films and made a successful comeback in later years. His notable credits after 2000 include "Life in a...Metro" (2007) and "Yamla Pagla Deewana" (2011), which co-starred his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. In 2023, he appeared in "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" and in 2024 in "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya".

In addition to his acting career, Dharmendra also ventured into politics, winning a seat in the Lok Sabha in 2004 as a candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Dharmendra's contribution to Indian cinema has been widely recognized. In 1997, he was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor.

Dharmendra's legacy extends beyond his filmography. He is remembered for his warmth, humility, and dedication to his craft. His ability to connect with audiences and portray a wide range of characters has made him one of the most beloved actors in Indian cinema history. Dharmendra's "He-Man" image is not just about physical strength but also about his on-screen persona that embodies courage, integrity, and a deep sense of humanity.