Dharmendra, the veteran Bollywood actor, is as known for his powerful dialogue delivery as he is for his action sequences. His booming voice and distinctive style have made many of his lines iconic, etching themselves into the collective memory of Indian cinema lovers. While he delivered many memorable action sequences, some of his dialogues have a lasting impact.

One of Dharmendra's most famous dialogues is from the classic film Sholay (1975): "Basanti, in kutto ke samne mat nachna". The intensity with which he implores Basanti (Hema Malini) not to dance before Gabbar Singh's (Amjad Khan) men resonates even today. The line encapsulates the desperation and rage of Veeru, a character willing to go to any length to protect his friend and the woman he loves.

Dharmendra's characters often delivered fiery speeches, and the word "kutte" (dogs) frequently featured in them. In Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), and several other films, he delivered the line, "Kutte, kamine, main tera khoon pee jaunga". This dialogue, expressing fury and a thirst for revenge, became a trademark of his on-screen persona. Even now, fans use it playfully when teasing their rivals.

Beyond the anger and vengeance, Dharmendra's dialogues also reflected a sense of justice and rebellion against oppression. In Ghulami (1985), where he portrayed a Jat named Ranjit Singh Chaudhary who stood against the British and the zamindari system, his dialogues resonated with the fight against injustice.

Another memorable dialogue, showcasing his anger, comes from Sholay: "Main tere khoon ki kasam kha ke kehta hoon ki ek ek ko chun chun ke marunga". Spoken in anguish after the death of Jai (Amitabh Bachchan), it embodies the raw emotion and vow for retribution.

Even when playing a pickpocket in Loafer (1973), Dharmendra's dialogues had impact. His ability to deliver lines with conviction, whether laced with anger, humor, or emotion, made him a star.

Dharmendra's dialogues weren't just lines; they were expressions of the characters he embodied, delivered with a unique blend of intensity and emotion. His dialogues continue to resonate with audiences, proving that sometimes, words can indeed hit harder than action.