Bollywood's 'He-Man' Dharmendra Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Legendary Legacy
The Indian film industry is engulfed in profound sorrow following the passing of its beloved 'He-Man', veteran actor Dharmendra. The iconic star left his millions of fans and the cinematic world mourning when he passed away on Monday at the age of 89.
A Heartwarming Anecdote: The First Paycheck and Celebratory Drinks
Among the countless memories he shared, a particularly endearing one comes from his appearance on Salman Khan's reality show, 10 Ka Dum. Accompanied by his son, actor Sunny Deol, Dharmendra charmed the audience with his trademark honesty and simplicity. After winning a prize of Rs 1 lakh on the show, Salman Khan probed him about the value of such an amount when he first arrived in Mumbai as a young man with dreams.
Dharmendra responded with a warm smile, exclaiming, "Uss time lakh rupaye… my god." When questioned about his very first earnings from films, the veteran revealed a humble beginning. He stated, "Rs 3,500–7,000 aisa tha kuch... Par usse pehle ek aur film mili thi, Arjun Hingorani ki… They gave just Rs 51 as a signing amount."
The actor fondly recalled how he spent that first payment of Rs 51. He immediately decided to treat his friends to a celebratory drink. With a laugh, he shared a humorous detail, "When we had our first peg, I used a handkerchief to hold the glass so that it wouldn't get my fingerprints... By the third peg, I left the handkerchief." This candid story perfectly captured his journey from a simple, starry-eyed youth to a cinematic giant.
An Illustrious Career Spanning Over Six Decades
From that modest start, Dharmendra built one of the most formidable and successful careers in the history of Indian cinema. His professional journey is a testament to his talent and hard work.
Over an incredible span of 65 years, he graced the silver screen in more than 300 films. Out of these, a remarkable 75 were certified hits, cementing his status as a box office king. He delivered unforgettable performances in timeless classics such as:
- 'Dream Girl'
- 'Anupama'
- 'Dharam Veer'
- The immortal epic 'Sholay'
His final appearance was in the film 'Teri Baaton Mein Uljha Jiya', where he shared the screen with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Fans will have one last opportunity to see him on the big screen in the upcoming movie 'Ikkis', which stars Agastya Nanda.
The passing of Dharmendra marks the end of a golden era in Bollywood. His legacy, however, defined by his powerful screen presence, memorable dialogues, and endearing personality, will continue to inspire generations of actors and movie lovers.
