Stills from Dharmendra’s filmography over the years
Veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the age of 89, leaves behind one of the most prolific legacies in Hindi cinema. With over 300 films to his name, the actor defined the leading man across eras — from the black-and-white romances of the ’60s to the technicolour blockbusters of the ’70s and ’80s. Known to fans as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” he managed to balance mass appeal with genuine versatility, moving easily between action dramas, comedies and social films. Few actors matched his longevity or the breadth of his stardom. The seven films below capture the range and resonance of that legacy.
Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)
A still from ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’
A rural revenge drama that lodged itself in popular memory; Dharmendra’s righteous, brooding hero made him a box-office draw and a face people associated with frontier justice. Fan discourse often point to this picture as a career-defining popular moment.
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
A still from ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’
A crowd-pleasing twin-role comedy-drama whose buoyant energy gives Dharmendra room for easy charm and romantic steadiness beside Hema Malini’s twin turns. The film remains a favourite in popular reckonings because of its crowd-warming mix of laughs and melodrama.
Ankhen (1968)
A still from ‘Ankhen’
A commercial big-hit that reinforced his bankability, the film’s success and Dharmendra’s lean star image during this period keep it present in both box-office lists and fan polls. It routinely appears on career-highlight compilations.
Satyakam (1969)
A still from ‘Satyakam’
A tougher, more austere film that showcases Dharmendra’s dramatic depth, here he plays an idealistic man whose moral code carries the film’s weight. Critics and cinephile conversations still single this out as his finest serious work.
In Pictures: Iconic moments from Dharmendra’s life
Dharmendra ruled Hindi cinema in the 1960s-1980s period. In this picture, the actor is seen with Saira Banu in ‘Pocket Maar’. The story goes that the 1974 movie was in the making for 4 years. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A young Dharmendra in the early 1960s. Considered an up and coming star, the actor’s first few prominent releases were ‘Anpadh’ and ‘Bandini’. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra and Hema Malini were a hit pair in their prime. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
The stylish actor in the spy thriller ‘Kheemat’ (1973). The film’s success reinstated Dharmendra’s reputation as a bankable star. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A still from ‘Chupke Chupke’. The 1975 romantic comedy had an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Om Prakash and Jaya Bachchan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A still from ‘Aas Paas’ (1981). Legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi’s recorded song came in this movie. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
With Shatrughan Sinha in Vijay Anand’s underrated ‘Blackmail’ (1973).
In ‘Jeevan Mrityu’ which marked the debut of Rakhee. Produced by Tarachand Barjatya, the movie was a runaway hit. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Two powerhouse talents in one frame. With Sanjeev Kumar in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s in ‘Satyakam’ (1969). THE HINDU ARCHIVES
In the 1962 hit ‘Anpad’, which boasts of the evergreen song ‘Aapki Nazon Ne Samjha’. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
With Amitabh Bachchan in the cult-classic ‘Sholay’. The song, ‘Yeh Dosti’, is an evergreen number to celebrate friendship. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Guddi’, which marked the Hindi debut of Jaya Bachchan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
A poster of Dharmendra’s ‘Haqeeqat’. The 1964 war drama from Chetan Anand received praise for its action sequences. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with sons Bobby and Sunny Deol (left). THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with Javed Akhtar, who has penned many of the hit stories for the superstar, including ‘Sholay’ (1975). THE ARCHIVES
One with the family. Dharmendra with wife Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
When legends meet. Dharmendra, Yash Chopra, Shatrughan Sinha, and Saira Banu celebrate the birthday of Dileep Kumar. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
When the veteran shook a leg with the young stars of Bollywood. A light moment with Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Receives the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Pratibha Patil in 2012. THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Dharmendra with Evergreen Star Dev Anand. The two featured in ‘Return of the Jewel Thief’ (1997), a sequel to Anand’s cult-classic ‘Jewel Thief’ (1967). THE HINDU ARCHIVES.
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Chupke Chupke (1975)
A still from ‘Chupke Chupke’
A gentle, literate comedy where Dharmendra’s timing and low-effort charm anchor the ensemble as the amiable foil. It’s repeatedly listed among his most beloved performances for its wit and comic subtlety.
Phool Aur Patthar (1966)
A still from ‘Phool Aur Patthar’
The film that first gave us Dharmendra as a leading man featured him in a lean, anguished performance anchored in menace and tenderness that turned heads and theaters alike. It’s still cited as the breakthrough that changed how the industry cast him.
Sholay (1975)
A still from ‘Sholay’
An unwieldy, sunburnt epic that turned gangland melodrama into national myth, the cult classic found its beating heart in Dharmendra’s reckless, irresistibly charming Veeru alongside Amitabh Bachchan. The film’s longevity and box-office legend make it the most inevitable entry on any list of his greatest films.
Published – November 24, 2025 02:43 pm IST
