The Indian film industry mourned the loss of one of its most beloved icons when veteran actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai on Monday, November 24. The legendary star, who was 89 years old, left behind a legacy spanning nearly seven decades. His journey to stardom, however, began with immense hardship and determination that few knew about.
From Punjab Dreams to Mumbai's Harsh Reality
Dharmendra's entry into the world of cinema was sparked by winning a talent contest organized by a film magazine in 1958. This victory brought him from his native Punjab to the bustling city of Mumbai, full of hope and ambition. However, the promised film role for the contest winner never materialized, leaving the aspiring actor stranded and back at square one in an unfamiliar city.
During this challenging period, Dharmendra found himself without proper accommodation or financial stability. In a heartfelt revelation on Indian Idol, he shared, "In my earlier days, I used to live in a garage because I didn't have a proper home in Mumbai." To sustain himself in the expensive city, he took up employment at a drilling firm where he earned a modest salary of Rs 200 per month.
The Turning Point in Bollywood
Dharmendra's resilience during these difficult times was remarkable. He openly admitted to working overtime at the drilling company to earn extra money, demonstrating the work ethic that would later define his acting career. His fortune finally changed when he landed his debut role in the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, marking the beginning of his cinematic journey.
The subsequent years saw his career blossom with critically acclaimed performances in movies like Bandini and Haqeeqat. These films gradually established him as the next rising star of Hindi cinema, and he never looked back from that point forward.
Building a Legacy and Family in Mumbai
As his success grew, Dharmendra's circumstances transformed dramatically. From living alone in a garage, he progressed to purchasing a sprawling property in Mumbai. His achievements enabled him to move his entire family, including his wife Prakash Kaur and his parents, from Punjab to Mumbai to live with him.
In his final weeks, the actor had been battling health issues that began in October. Although he showed signs of improvement in November, allowing his family to bring him home, he ultimately breathed his last on November 24. The film industry and countless fans worldwide remember him not just for his iconic roles but for his inspiring journey from a garage-dwelling struggler to one of Bollywood's most respected figures.
