Bollywood has lost one of its most beloved legends, Dharmendra, the man who defined masculinity with grace, humour and heart. Fondly known as the He-Man of Hindi Cinema, he passed away in Mumbai after being under medical observation for over a week. As fans across generations mourn his loss, the silver screen continues to echo his timeless charm.
Here’s a look at 10 unforgettable films that capture the essence of Dharmendra’s extraordinary career, each reflecting a different shade of his stardom, from romance and comedy to action and emotion.
Read more: Bollywood icon passes away after week-long hospitalisation in Mumbai
1. Sholay (1975): The Eternal Friendship and Fearless Charm of Veeru
No list of Dharmendra’s best films is complete without Sholay. His portrayal of Veeru, the fearless yet fun-loving dacoit, turned him into a household name. His chemistry with Hema Malini, comic timing with Amitabh Bachchan, and iconic lines like “Basanti, in kutto ke saamne mat nachna!” made the film legendary. Sholay remains one of India’s greatest blockbusters and a timeless watch for generations.
2. Chupke Chupke (1975): When Dharmendra Redefined Comedy with Wit and Warmth
In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classic Chupke Chupke, Dharmendra showed that action heroes can also master comedy. Playing the mischievous Professor Parimal Tripathi, he delivered one of the most natural performances in Hindi comedy history. His charming humour, effortless dialogue delivery, and pairing with Sharmila Tagore gave audiences countless moments of laughter.
3. Phool Aur Patthar (1966): The Film That Made Him a Superstar
Phool Aur Patthar was the turning point of Dharmendra’s career. His role as the rugged yet soft-hearted Shaka earned him immense praise and his first Filmfare nomination. The film showcased his emotional depth behind his tough exterior, a quality that would later define his cinematic image.
4. Satyakam (1969): Dharmendra’s Most Powerful and Underrated Performance
In Satyakam, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Dharmendra delivered what many critics consider his finest performance. He played Satyapriya, an honest man navigating a corrupt world. The film explored themes of truth, morality and sacrifice, and Dharmendra’s portrayal was both raw and real. It proved that he wasn’t just a star, he was a serious actor capable of profound storytelling.
5. Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971): The Birth of the Action Hero
Before Sholay, there was Mera Gaon Mera Desh. Dharmendra played a reformed criminal who stands up to a notorious dacoit. The film, filled with thrilling action and heartfelt emotion, paved the way for the “angry young man” phase that dominated the 1970s. His performance struck a perfect balance between power and vulnerability.
6. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972): The Playful Hero with Perfect Comic Timing
Alongside Hema Malini, Dharmendra’s light-hearted charm in Seeta Aur Geeta made audiences fall in love with him all over again. His playful role and effortless chemistry with Hema added a spark to the film. Even amidst chaos and comedy, Dharmendra’s screen presence stood tall, adding warmth and humour to every frame.
7. Anupama (1966): A Gentle Romantic at Heart
Dharmendra’s performance in Anupama is often described as one of his most soulful. Playing the quiet and compassionate poet Ashok, he brought tenderness to the screen that few could match. His chemistry with Sharmila Tagore was delicate and genuine, reminding audiences that behind the action hero was a man of deep emotion.
8. Raja Jani (1972): The Crowd-Pleasing Entertainer That Showed His Range
Raja Jani was a massive hit, blending romance, drama and mystery. Dharmendra’s dual shades in the film, charming lover and fierce protector, displayed his range. The film also marked another memorable collaboration with Hema Malini, and their pairing became one of Bollywood’s most iconic.
9. Haqeeqat (1964): A Patriotic Gem That Showed His Early Brilliance
Long before superstardom, Dharmendra won hearts with Haqeeqat, one of India’s earliest war films. Playing a soldier in the Sino-Indian war, he captured the courage and pain of the common man. His understated yet powerful performance stood out in a film remembered for its realism and haunting music.
10. Pratigya (1975): The Massy Classic That Defined Dharmendra’s Action Persona
In Pratigya, Dharmendra took on a larger-than-life role of a man seeking revenge while posing as a police officer. The film’s mix of humour, action and emotion made it a massive success. His magnetic presence and effortless dialogue delivery proved that no one could play the heroic everyman quite like him.
Here’s a look at 10 unforgettable films that capture the essence of Dharmendra’s extraordinary career, each reflecting a different shade of his stardom, from romance and comedy to action and emotion.
Read more: Bollywood icon passes away after week-long hospitalisation in Mumbai
1. Sholay (1975): The Eternal Friendship and Fearless Charm of Veeru
No list of Dharmendra’s best films is complete without Sholay. His portrayal of Veeru, the fearless yet fun-loving dacoit, turned him into a household name. His chemistry with Hema Malini, comic timing with Amitabh Bachchan, and iconic lines like “Basanti, in kutto ke saamne mat nachna!” made the film legendary. Sholay remains one of India’s greatest blockbusters and a timeless watch for generations.
2. Chupke Chupke (1975): When Dharmendra Redefined Comedy with Wit and Warmth
In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classic Chupke Chupke, Dharmendra showed that action heroes can also master comedy. Playing the mischievous Professor Parimal Tripathi, he delivered one of the most natural performances in Hindi comedy history. His charming humour, effortless dialogue delivery, and pairing with Sharmila Tagore gave audiences countless moments of laughter.
3. Phool Aur Patthar (1966): The Film That Made Him a Superstar
Phool Aur Patthar was the turning point of Dharmendra’s career. His role as the rugged yet soft-hearted Shaka earned him immense praise and his first Filmfare nomination. The film showcased his emotional depth behind his tough exterior, a quality that would later define his cinematic image.
4. Satyakam (1969): Dharmendra’s Most Powerful and Underrated Performance
In Satyakam, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Dharmendra delivered what many critics consider his finest performance. He played Satyapriya, an honest man navigating a corrupt world. The film explored themes of truth, morality and sacrifice, and Dharmendra’s portrayal was both raw and real. It proved that he wasn’t just a star, he was a serious actor capable of profound storytelling.
5. Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971): The Birth of the Action Hero
Before Sholay, there was Mera Gaon Mera Desh. Dharmendra played a reformed criminal who stands up to a notorious dacoit. The film, filled with thrilling action and heartfelt emotion, paved the way for the “angry young man” phase that dominated the 1970s. His performance struck a perfect balance between power and vulnerability.
6. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972): The Playful Hero with Perfect Comic Timing
Alongside Hema Malini, Dharmendra’s light-hearted charm in Seeta Aur Geeta made audiences fall in love with him all over again. His playful role and effortless chemistry with Hema added a spark to the film. Even amidst chaos and comedy, Dharmendra’s screen presence stood tall, adding warmth and humour to every frame.
7. Anupama (1966): A Gentle Romantic at Heart
Dharmendra’s performance in Anupama is often described as one of his most soulful. Playing the quiet and compassionate poet Ashok, he brought tenderness to the screen that few could match. His chemistry with Sharmila Tagore was delicate and genuine, reminding audiences that behind the action hero was a man of deep emotion.
8. Raja Jani (1972): The Crowd-Pleasing Entertainer That Showed His Range
Raja Jani was a massive hit, blending romance, drama and mystery. Dharmendra’s dual shades in the film, charming lover and fierce protector, displayed his range. The film also marked another memorable collaboration with Hema Malini, and their pairing became one of Bollywood’s most iconic.
9. Haqeeqat (1964): A Patriotic Gem That Showed His Early Brilliance
Long before superstardom, Dharmendra won hearts with Haqeeqat, one of India’s earliest war films. Playing a soldier in the Sino-Indian war, he captured the courage and pain of the common man. His understated yet powerful performance stood out in a film remembered for its realism and haunting music.
10. Pratigya (1975): The Massy Classic That Defined Dharmendra’s Action Persona
In Pratigya, Dharmendra took on a larger-than-life role of a man seeking revenge while posing as a police officer. The film’s mix of humour, action and emotion made it a massive success. His magnetic presence and effortless dialogue delivery proved that no one could play the heroic everyman quite like him.
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