Dharmendra Birth Anniversary: Iconic Films, Last Movie, Upcoming Projects And Children

Dharmendra Birth Anniversary: Bollywood’s beloved He-Man, Dharmendra, is no longer with us. The legendary actor, who died at the age of 89 on November 24, was one of the most successful and loved actors in the history of Indian cinema. Born on December 8, 1935, Dharmendra captivated audiences with his impeccable acting, magnetic on-screen presence and charisma in career spanning over six decades.

He began his career with the 1960 film, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. But his breakthrough came with the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar, where he starred alongside Meena Kumari. The movie catapulted Dharmendra to stardom and since then he didn’t look back.

Dharmendra delivered unforgettable performances in iconic blockbusters such as Sholay, Raja Jani, Seeta

Aur Geeta, Dharam Veer, Gundagardi, Loafer, Kahani Kismat Ki, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Charas, Azaad, and Dillagi, showcasing his incredible range and versatility as an actor.

As we mark the actor’s birth anniversary, let’s take a look at his net worth, cars, award-winning movies and his six children.

Dharmendra Birth Anniversary: Award-Winning Movies

Sholay (1975)

Made under the direction of Ramesh Sippy, Sholay remains etched in the minds of the cinemagoers across the generations. Released in 1975, this film featured Bollywood giants like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, and Hema Malini, among others. It offered a larger-than-life cinematic experience, making it a treat to watch. The film received best film award for completing 50 years at 50th Filmfare Award.

Ghayal (1990)

Headlined by Sunny Deol, the film was produced by Dharmendra. The film was a gripping tale of a man’s relentless pursuit of justice and revenge. Ghayal is packed with action and drama and Sunny Deol’s iconic “dhai kilo ka haath” dialogue makes it a classic in the action genre. It bagged multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Filmfare Award for Best Film.

Satyakam (1969)

Praised for its depth, this film was based on a Bengali novel of the same name by Narayan Sanyal. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, it featured Dharmendra in the role of a man with unwavering principles was powerful and thought-provoking. The film also starred an impressive ensemble cast, including Ashok Kumar, Sharmila Tagore, and Sanjeev Kumar. Dharmendra’s character in Satyakam is considered to be among the finest in Indian cinema. The film also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Dharmendra’s Upcoming Movie

Ikkis (Releasing 25 December)

Dharmendra’s final film arrives this Christmas, a war-drama directed by Sriram Raghavan. Agastya Nanda plays young soldier Arun Khetarpal, while Dharmendra appears as his father – a role rooted in loss, duty and national pride. The first look dropped shortly after the actor’s passing, and fans immediately embraced it as a fitting farewell to a Bollywood icon.

Dharmendra’s Latest Films

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani – released in 2023

One of Dharmendra’s most memorable late-career appearances, the Karan Johar romance featured him as Kanwal Randhawa, a gentle, charming grandfather whose scenes with Shabana Azmi became instant fan favourites. The film brought Dharmendra back into mainstream conversation and reminded audiences of his effortless warmth on screen.

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya – released in 2024

This film included Dharmendra in a supporting part. It didn’t dominate headlines, but it stands as one of his last roles in a commercial entertainer during this late stretch of his career. He shared the screen with Kriti Senon and Shahid Kapoor in this one.

Who Are Dharmendra’s Six Children

Before entering Bollywood, the veteran actor married Prakash Kaur in 1954. The couple had four children, two sons and Bollywood’s most iconic actors Sunny and Bobby Deol, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajita Deol.

His elder son, Sunny Deol, is an acclaimed actor, director and producer. He is married to Pooja and have sons, Karan and Rajveer. Bobby Deol, Dharmendra’s younger son, has also carved a name for himself in the industry.

Married to Tanya Ahuja, the couple are parents to two sons, Aryaman and Dharam Deol.

As for her daughters, Ajita Deol is a psychology teacher, who lives a quiet life in the United States with his husband Kiran Chaudhary and two daughters, Nikita and Priyanka. Vijeta Deol, their second daughter, is involved in Dharmendra’s business ventures.

In 1970, Dharmendra found love again with Hema Malini. They married each other in 1980 and became parents to two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

While Esha Deol is an actress, Ahana Deol stays away from the limelight. She tied the wedding knot with businessman Vaibhav Vohra in 2014 and are proud parents of three children — son Darian and twin daughters Astraya and Aadya.