'Main Kaam Karta Tha, Credit Koi Aur Le Jaata Tha': When Dharmendra Quit Politics in Just 5 Years | Throwback

Veteran actor Dharmendra is "stable and recovering", his daughter Esha Deol said on Tuesday, urging the media to stop circulating false reports about his health. Over a glorious career spanning six decades, the Bollywood legend delivered several memorable performances and earned the moniker of the "He-Man of Indian cinema". But did you know he also had a brief stint in politics?Dharmendra entered politics in 2004 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP during its "India Shining" campaign. Backed by veteran leaders like LK Advani, he contested from Bikaner in Rajasthan.His campaign drew attention for both his charm and his controversies. During his campaign trial, Dharmendra faced intense criticism for saying he should be "elected dictator

perpetuo to teach basic etiquette that democracy requires." But still he managed to win the election owing to his massive popularity, defeating Congress candidate Rameshwar Lal Dudi by nearly 60,000 votes to become an MP in the 14th Lok Sabha.Dharmendra's time in Parliament was, however, marked by low attendance.The people of Bikaner often complained that the MP was inaccessible as he spent most of his time shooting films or at his farmhouse. Despite allegations of being an "absentee" MP, his supporters always claimed that he worked extensively for Bikaner behind the scenes.After completing his term in 2009, Dharmendra announced that he would never contest elections again.The decision, Dharmendra's son and actor Sunny Deol later said in an interview, was taken as the former "didn't like politics and regretted it".Dharmendra also once said, "Kaam main karta tha, credit koi aur le jaata tha (I did the work, someone else took the credit)."The veteran actor remained aloof of politics despite his his son Sunny Deol and wife Hema Malini entering politics.Later, Sunny Deol retired from politics after winning once from Gurdaspur. However, Hema Malini remains active in politics and is currently a three-time MP from Mathura.