Dharmendra’s Health Legacy: Simple Habits That Define Bollywood's He-Man

Dharmendra, fondly known as the He-Man of Indian cinema, left for heavenly abode just days short of his 90th birthday. The veteran actor had been in and out of the hospital for the last few months due

to prolonged health issues. On November 10, Dharmendra was hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit of Breach Candy in Mumbai after his health deteriorated, and since then, he has been on the road to recovery at home. Known for his positive zeal towards life, Dharmendra always prioritised health and fitness even at a later age. From living in a farmhouse to breathe clean and fresh air, to doing daily yoga, going to the gym regularly, doing water-based workouts, and even believing that a little alcohol did wonders for him, Dharmendra’s secrets to longevity are definitely worth knowing. His rugged looks, powerful screen presence, and effortless charm made Dharmendra a household name during the 1970s and 1980s when he churned out several superhit movies, reigning as one of the most versatile and admired actors of all time. Let’s take a look at what has contributed to his ageless charm.

What were Dharmendra’s fitness secrets?

Dharmendra was active on social media and always said he believed in keeping himself fit and mobile. He was involved in various activities like gymming, yoga, and water-based workouts – as he regularly posted updates for his fans. To maintain agility, Dharmendra also included regular workouts like swimming combined with physiotherapy to maintain bone and joint health. He even frequently shared videos of his routine online to inspire fans, often highlighting his progress and dedication to staying fit and active despite recent health events like an eye surgery he had in April. The on-screen icon was also a yoga lover who believed that “Everyone should do yoga for a healthy life. “With his trademark charm, Dharmendra used to say, the secret of his staying youthful was, 'I am still a child...” Throughout his senior years, the film star continued to prove that age is just a number when the spirit is young. After he had a fall a few years back, Dharmendra also regularly indulged in aqua exercise as a refreshing workout and often shared glimpses of himself enjoying water-based workouts - whether it was gentle water jogging or simply moving through the pool with ease and grace. “Yoga and aqua exercises keep me fit and full of energy. I believe staying active is the secret to feeling young," he once said.

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Dharmendra loved healthy and desi food

Apart from taking care of his fitness, Dharmendra always prioritised his diet as he primarily indulged in organic fruits and vegetables that he grows on his farmhouse. A key part of his diet used to be a complete avoidance of sugar. He loved gorging on vegetables like lauki (bottle gourd) and zucchini, which he often said in interviews that he used to grow on his farmhouse while being engaged in gardening and farming, keeping him active.