One of most beloved stars of Hindi Cinema, Dharam Singh Deol, popularly known as Dharmendra, turns 85 on December 8th. Along with birthday, this year is also the celebration of his diamond jubilee/60 years in Hindi cinema (his first release, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, was in 1960).
While I am not from the generation that witnessed Dharmendra’s glory, I was introduced to him by my mother who hardly spoke any Hindi, but still sang ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hain’ (from the movie Loafer). Catching up on a variety of his work over the years, I have come to realize although he is aptly termed as the He-Man (action hero) or the most good-looking man of Hindi cinema, he is so much more than that. He is an actor who excels in every genre in a filmography that surpasses 300 films. His success rate is still unmatched; for example, in the 70s decade, he had almost double the number of hits than any of his contemporary actors. Even a full-fledged thesis will not do justice to his vast array of work but what I will do here is to pick 6 movies from the 60 years of his epic catalogue, to recommend watching on his birthday month. This is specially for the newer generations that did not witness his peak years as they happened. Of course, this list is only a drop from the ocean of his 6 decades.
1. Bandini (1963): This film is a story of a woman’s downfall and redemption, and a great one at that. Directed by Bimal Roy, the film carries some of the beautifully composed and written songs. As far as Dharmendra goes, it is the movie that will make you fall in love head over heels with this actor. He is so fresh, sweet and charming, at the same time utterly masculine as well. Watch this film to know why Dharmendra is attributed the title of the best-looking man of Hindi cinema. You would wonder why he doesn’t have more screen space in this movie; you just want to see more of him.
2. Satyakam (1969): This film by Hrishikesh Mukherjee is the depiction of the life and beliefs of a young man in the pre-independence era. Satyapriya is Dharmendra’s character, an idealistic man who is trying to be perfect in an imperfect world. Dharmendra is arguably at his career best in this role where he embodies the honesty, struggle and the tragedy of the character so earnestly that it is impossible to not feel for him. With his eyes, dialogue delivery and body language- all impeccable, he goes through the journey of a man of his own conviction who refuses to adapt to the materialistic way of society. It’s a great film that the younger generation needs to watch for the era it depicts, for the values and for Dharmendra.
3. Chupke Chupke (1975): This is a cult classic. Another Hrishikesh Mukherjee film, I had watched it as a kid on TV one time, and have happily re-watched several times. The unapologetically full of life professor Parimal Tripathi (also guised as the driver Pyare Mohan), played by Dharmendra, is the hilarious and sweet heart stealer in this film. It’s such a feel good, clean comedy that is a complete break away from Dharmendra’s He-Man image. It only goes to show the versatility of this actor and his natural flair for comedy.
4. Sholay (1975): It is probably impossible to make a list of Dharmendra’s films and not mention Sholay. Sholay is the quintessential Bollywood cinema. Veeru, Dharmendra’s character was notable for the chemistry with co-actors; whether it was Veeru’s friend, Jai or girlfriend, Basanti. Watch this film for its overall entertainment value and just to admire how Dharmendra is in full form doing action, comedy, romance and sentiments- each with perfection. If you liked Sholay, you have to watch another similar film of Dharmendra Mera Gaon, Mera Desh (1971), which comes close to Sholay in terms of its entertainment value and the story.
5. Johnny Gaddaar (2007): When we say Dharmendra’s 60 years in the industry, it doesn’t just mean he was a star of the 60s, 70s or 80s. He has given remarkable films even recently, in 2000s and 2010s. One such film is Johnny Gaddar from 2007, belonging to the noir thriller genre, a rarity in Hindi cinema. Watch out for Dharmendra’s character’s death scene where he actually listens to a song from Bandini. He will hold your attention like no other in this short but effectual role.
6. Apne (2007): In this film you will get to see Dharmendra with his two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, for the first time. It’s an old school emotional family drama in a sports setting, but one has to watch this movie for the sensibilities Dharmendra brings into the character of Baldev. The film is a re-testament of why Dharmendra is an icon. He is loveable and admirable whether he is a flirty husband, doting grandpa, friendly father-in-law, a torn sportsman or a pained father- he triumphs it all.
One last thing I want to note is that Dharamji in real life is even more full of life than in his films. Be it his “karaoke” reminiscing old songs, be it being considerate to actually reply to as many fans as he can on social media (and he does it with all his heart) or his connection to nature in his farmhouse, he truly is a person who is one of us and who belongs to us. Happy Birthday Dharamji, I can’t wait to celebrate your century that will also mark your platinum jubilee in Hindi cinema. Lots of wishes, love and respect to this legend of our times!
Tia Rao is an academic by profession, lives in the United States, and occasionally writes for Bollywood Hungama.
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