Bollywood’s 'He Man': Dharmendra’s Timeless Stardom Lives On Through His 10 Greatest Films

Indian cinema woke up to heartbreaking news on Monday morning as Dharmendra Deol, affectionately known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89. His last rites were performed at Pawan Hans Crematorium, and with that, a glorious chapter in Hindi cinema quietly drew to a close.

For over six decades, Dharmendra commanded the silver screen with a rare combination of raw masculinity, tender vulnerability, comic mastery, and timeless romance. With over 300 films, he belonged to a rare generation of stars who remained consistently beloved, even during the monumental eras of Rajesh Khanna’s superstardom and Amitabh Bachchan’s rise.

Born in a small village in Punjab, Dharmendra earned his fame through sheer grit, talent, and an undeniable connection with the audience. Awards were few, but the love, as he often said, was endless, and more than enough.

Despite recent health complications, including a period of hospitalisation due to breathlessness and a corneal transplant earlier this year, Dharmendra remained emotionally present in the industry and deeply cherished by fans across generations.

As the film world mourns his passing, we look back at 10 iconic films that capture the breadth, depth, and magic of Dharmendra’s unparalleled career.

Dharmendra’s 10 Best Films: A Grand Tribute to an Unmatched Legend

1. Sholay (1975)

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the movie cast Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan.

There are performances, and then there are legends. Dharmendra’s Veeru belongs to the latter. In Sholay, he plays the charming, warm-hearted outlaw who can make you laugh one moment and break your heart the next. His chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan forms one of the most iconic friendships in Indian film history. His flirtatious banter with Hema Malini’s Basanti remains iconic, while his comedic brilliance, especially in the “mausi scene” is still quoted today. Through Veeru, Dharmendra became the emotional backbone of a film that is now woven into the very fabric of Indian pop culture.

2. Satyakam (1969)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the cast included Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Ashok Kumar.

If one film truly proves Dharmendra’s acting genius, it is Satyakam. In this introspective drama on truth, morality, and integrity, he plays Satyapriya, an idealist in a corrupt world. This is Dharmendra stripped of all stardom, no action, no glamour, no dramatic dialogue, just pure, searing performance. His portrayal of a man haunted by his conscience is widely regarded as one of the best performances in Hindi cinema, demonstrating depth and emotional complexity rare for mainstream heroes of that era.

3. Chupke Chupke (1975)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the cast included Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash.

If Satyakam revealed Dharmendra’s depth, Chupke Chupke showcased his immaculate comedic timing. Playing Professor Parimal, who disguises himself as a driver to prank his brother-in-law, Dharmendra delivers razor-sharp humour rooted in language, mannerisms, and playful mischief. Whether correcting Hindi grammar, teasing Om Prakash’s character, or engaging in verbal duels with Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra shines with an infectious charm. This film, even today, remains one of India’s finest comedies, and Dharmendra is at the heart of it.

4. Haqeeqat (1964)

Directed by Chetan Anand, the cast had Dharmendra, Priya Rajvansh, Sanjay Khan, Balraj Sahni

One of the earliest war films in Indian cinema, Haqeeqat showcased a young Dharmendra in a performance both restrained and powerful. As Captain Bahadur Singh, he plays a soldier surrounded by despair during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Dharmendra conveys the quiet heroism of a man fighting for survival, loyalty, and fleeting love. His chemistry with Priya Rajvansh is haunting, and his tragic arc gives the film its emotional depth. This role marked him as a serious actor capable of real gravitas.

5. Anupama (1966)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the cast included Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore and Tarun Bose.

A delicate, lyrical film where Dharmendra plays Ashok, a gentle poet who helps a repressed woman blossom into her own identity. There is no bravado here, only subtlety and empathy. His tender interactions with Sharmila Tagore elevate a simple story into something deeply moving. Dharmendra’s performance is understated yet profoundly impactful, proving that romance can be soft, thoughtful, and beautifully restrained.

6. Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

Directored by Nasir Hussain, the cast had Dharmendra, Vijay Arora and Tariq Khan.

This quintessential masala entertainer cemented Dharmendra as a larger-than-life star. As Shankar, the eldest brother scarred by childhood trauma, Dharmendra brings intensity and emotional turmoil to the iconic lost-and-found saga. His rugged charisma, combined with raw vulnerability, adds a compelling gravity to the film—making it one of his most memorable commercial roles.

7. Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)

Directed by Raj Khosla, the cast had Dharmendra, Asha Parekh and Vinod Khanna.

Before “Dacoit Westerns” became a Hindi cinema staple, there was this film. Dharmendra plays Ajit, a reformed petty thief seeking redemption in a village terrorised by the ruthless Jabbar Singh (Vinod Khanna). His transformation from a morally ambiguous outsider to a courageous protector is gripping and emotionally satisfying.
This film marks a turning point, establishing Dharmendra as a full-fledged action hero with extraordinary screen presence.

8. Dillagi (1978)

Directed by Basu Chatterjee, the film has Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha in the cast.

A sweet, slice-of-life romantic comedy that shows Dharmendra at his most charming and relatable. He plays Swarnakamal, a kind-hearted Sanskrit professor hopelessly smitten with a spirited chemistry teacher, played by Hema Malini. The awkward courtship, gentle humour, and soulful moments make Dillagi one of the most endearing films in Dharmendra’s filmography, a proof that he didn’t always need action or drama to shine.

9. The Burning Train (1980)

Directed by Ravi Chopra, the cast included Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Jeetendra and Hema Malini.

Long before Hollywood-style disaster movies found popularity in India, The Burning Train delivered high-stakes thrills. Dharmendra’s Ashok, the engineer who helped build the futuristic train, emerges as a man carrying both professional pride and personal guilt. As sabotage triggers chaos, Dharmendra’s strong, authoritative performance anchors the sprawling narrative, making him the emotional and moral core of the film.

10. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)

Directed by Karan Johar and starred by Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi.

In one of his final screen appearances, Dharmendra proves why true stardom never fades. Playing Kanwal, the gentle patriarch with a poetic past, Dharmendra steals hearts with his warmth and old-world charm. His tender romantic arc with Shabana Azmi forms the emotional heartbeat of the film. It felt less like a performance and more like a beautiful reminder of the magic he always carried on screen.

The Legend That Cannot Be Replaced

Dharmendra wasn’t just one of Bollywood’s biggest stars—he was one of its purest souls. He could fight, flirt, joke, dance, break hearts, and heal them too. His charisma filled theatres, but his humility filled hearts.

As we say goodbye, it is true that generations will come and go, but Dharmendra’s magic will stay—forever preserved in celluloid, memory, and millions of hearts.

Even at 89, Dharmendra remained actively involved in cinema. His last film, ‘Ikkis’, is set to release posthumously on 25 December 2025. In the film, he plays the father of Agastya Nanda.