Born in 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra rose from humble beginnings to become one of Bollywood’s most iconic and bankable stars.

Making his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tera, he quickly became a leading man of Hindi cinema, delivering acclaimed performances in films like Bandini, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Anupama, and Phool Aur Patthar.

Known for effortlessly switching between soulful romance, hard-hitting drama, and comedy, he earned the nickname “He-Man of Bollywood” in the 1970s with rugged hits such as Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jugnu, Charas, and Dharam Veer.

Dharmendra’s legendary status was cemented with 1975’s Sholay, where his portrayal of Veeru became one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved characters. He continued to dominate the action genre through the 1980s with films like The Burning Train, Hukumat, and Aag Hi Aag.

Even in the 1990s and 2000s, he staged memorable comebacks in Life in a... Metro, Johnny Gaddar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and later Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

Over a career spanning more than six decades and 300 films, Dharmendra earned accolades including the Padma Bhushan (2012) and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, establishing him as one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring and beloved icons.

Dharmendra’s personal life was equally remarkable. He married Prakash Kaur in 1954, with whom he had four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeeta Chaudhri, and Vijayta Gill. In 1980, he married his frequent co-star Hema Malini, and they had two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Dharmendra was married to both Kaur and Malini. He also served as a Lok Sabha MP from 2004 to 2009 representing the Bharatiya Janata Party.

On what would have been his 90th birth anniversary, Dharmendra’s family remembered him with touching tributes.

Hema Malini shared a heartfelt note on social media, reflecting on life after losing her husband.

She wrote, “Dharam ji, happy birthday my dear heart. More than two weeks have passed since you left me heartbroken. Slowly, I am gathering the pieces and trying to reconstruct my life, knowing you will always be with me in spirit. The joyful memories of our life together can never be erased, and reliving those moments brings me great solace. I thank God for our lovely years together, for our two beautiful girls, and for all the happy memories that remain in my heart.”

She added, “On your birthday, my prayers are for God to grant you the wealth of peace and happiness that you richly deserve for your humility, goodness of heart, and love for humanity.” She also shared several couple pictures, captioning them, “Our happy ‘together’ moments.”

Sunny Deol, Dharmendra’s eldest son, also paid tribute, sharing a video and writing, “Aaj mere papa ka janamdin hai. Papa hamesha mere saath hai, mere andar hain. Love you papa, miss you.” Meanwhile, Abhay Deol shared a throwback photo with a nostalgic memory, reflecting on his uncle’s guidance and warmth.

Esha Deol posted an emotional tribute, promising to carry forward her father’s legacy. She wrote, “To my darling Papa. Our pact, the strongest bond… through all our lifetimes, all realms and beyond. We are always together, Papa — whether in heaven or on earth. For now, I have very tenderly tucked you into my heart to carry with me for the rest of this lifetime. The magical memories, life lessons, guidance, warmth, unconditional love, dignity, and strength you gave me can never be replaced.”

Quoting her father’s motto — “Always be humble, be happy, healthy, and strong” — she vowed to uphold his values and spread his love to millions of fans.

Abhay Deol also paid tribute to his uncle, Dharmendra, with a throwback picture and a special message. "Must've been 1985 or '86. I had just been scolded so I was upset. He called me to him, sat me down by his side and said, "look at the light", and had the photographer click this pic. I look forward to the moment I hear him say those words to me again, when my time comes. Today was his birthday."

Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025 after prolonged hospitalization. He leaves behind a monumental legacy as one of Hindi cinema’s most cherished and enduring stars.

His final film, the military drama 'Ikkis', is set to release on December 25, serving as a fitting tribute to a career that touched generations.