Dharmendra You Didn’t Know: 7 Lesser Known Facts About Bollywood’s Most Beloved Hero

Dharmendra

wasn’t just a superstar, he was an institution. One of the most influential and adored icons of Indian cinema, the He-Man of Bollywood ruled audiences’ hearts for over six decades. While his legendary films, charming personality and unforgettable dialogue delivery are celebrated widely, there exist several lesser-known facts about his career and life that even devoted fans may not know. As India continues to honour his extraordinary legacy, here are seven fascinating and rare facts about Dharmendra that add even more depth to his remarkable journey.

1. Paari - His First Bengali Film

Few remember that Dharmendra also made a mark in Bengali cinema early in his career. Paari (1966), directed by Jagganath Chatterjee and based on a Jarasandha story, was his first Bengali film. The film starred Dharmendra alongside Pronoti Ghosh and featured Dilip Kumar in a memorable guest appearance as an Andaman jailor. The movie was successful and later remade by the same director in Hindi as Anokha Milan (1972), with Dharmendra and Pronoti reprising their roles. The film is also deeply significant because it was the first movie in which Dilip Kumar and Dharmendra appeared together, marking the coming together of two legends.

2. He Was First Choice For Shaan, And Also Turned Down Zanjeer

While Shaan (1980) eventually became synonymous with Amitabh Bachchan’s towering screen presence, the mega-budget film was initially offered to Dharmendra. At that time, Shaan was the most expensive Indian film ever made. Surprisingly, this wasn’t the only major film he turned down. Dharmendra had earlier refused Zanjeer as well—reportedly due to emotional personal reasons—unintentionally clearing the path for Amitabh Bachchan to rise as the “angry young man.” These decisions reflect Dharmendra’s instinctive approach to choosing films, driven more by heart than strategy.

3. He Paid A Spot Boy On Sholay To Create Retakes For Hug Scene With Hema Malini

Among the many iconic stories from the sets of Sholay, this one remains a fan favourite. During one scene where Hema Malini had to hug him, Dharmendra reportedly paid a spot boy to deliberately interrupt the shot, not once, but around 20 times. Each disturbance meant a retake, and each retake meant another hug from Hema. The anecdote, often shared with a smile, reflects not just the film’s behind-the-scenes fun but also the legendary chemistry the two stars shared.

4. He Delivered Seven Box Office Hits In Single Year

Dharmendra holds a unique and unmatched record in Bollywood history—he delivered seven box office hits in one year (1987). No other Hindi film actor has achieved this feat so far. This extraordinary accomplishment highlights his popularity and dominance across genres, from action to romance to drama, even during the mid-to-late phase of his career.

5. His First Film Earned Him Only ₹51

For all his later success, Dharmendra’s beginnings were extremely humble. For his debut film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), he was paid just ₹51. The amount was reportedly pooled in by three producers who contributed ₹17 each. From earning ₹51 to becoming one of the highest-paid stars in India, Dharmendra’s rise is one of the most inspiring success stories in Bollywood.

6. He Was the Highest-Paid Cast Member Of Sholay

One of the biggest films in Indian cinema history, Sholay (1975), had an ensemble cast of icons. Yet Dharmendra was the highest-paid actor on the film, reportedly receiving ₹1.5 lakh, more than Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan. His superstardom and mass appeal during the 1970s earned him this top billing.

7. Apne Marked Historic On-Screen Family Collaboration

In 2007, Dharmendra starred in Apne alongside both his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, in a major commercial success. This was the first time the trio appeared together in a full-length feature film. The emotional father-son story, combined with their real-life bond, made Apne special for fans and a milestone in the Deol family’s cinematic legacy.From humble beginnings to unparalleled superstardom, his journey continues to inspire. Dharmendra may no longer be with us, but his legacy will shine on forever.