Veteran Actor Dharmendra Passes Away At 89:
Bollywood mourns the loss of the legendary Dharmendra, fondly called Dharam Paaji, the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema. Known for his versatility and charisma, Dharmendra ruled Bollywood in the 1970s and 1980s and remains one of the most beloved stars of all time. As fans remember his iconic films and contributions, here are six lesser-known facts about the Bollywood action king.
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Dharam Paaji Hated Going to School
Little Dharmendra reportedly disliked school and often begged his mother not to send him. His father, a school teacher, was stricter with him than with other children, which made young Dharmendra dread going to class. -
Early Dreams of Acting
From a young age, Dharmendra dreamed of becoming an actor. Supported by his mother, he sent his photographs and application to Filmfare’s talent hunt. He won the prestigious National New Talent award, which brought him to Mumbai, although the promised film never materialized. -
Iconic On-Screen Pair with Hema Malini
Dharmendra and Hema Malini, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated on-screen pairs, acted in 28 films together. Their first meeting on the sets of Tum Haseen Main Jawan in 1970 eventually blossomed into love, leading to a secret marriage after Dharmendra converted to Islam to legally marry her alongside his first family. -
On-Set Romance Tricks
During the shooting of Sholay, Dharmendra reportedly paid Rs 20 to the light boys to distract the crew, allowing him to hug Hema Malini during a scene where he was teaching her to use a revolver—a fun behind-the-scenes glimpse into Bollywood’s golden era. -
Earlier Love Interests
Before his marriage to Hema Malini, Dharmendra was romantically linked with leading actresses of his time, including Meena Kumari and Saira Banu. Meena Kumari, in particular, is said to have influenced his early acting career. -
Box Office and Awards Legacy
Dharmendra remains the only actor in Bollywood to deliver seven clean hits in a single year (1987). Over his illustrious career, he received the Padma Bhushan in 2012, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, and the Best Contribution to Indian Cinema Award in 2004.
Dharmendra’s journey from a garage in Mumbai, where he worked in a drilling firm for Rs 200 to survive, to becoming Bollywood’s ‘Action King’ is an inspiration for generations. His charm, talent, and dedication leave behind a legacy that will be remembered forever.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
