Dharmendra, born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, was an iconic Indian actor, producer, and politician whose towering presence in Hindi cinema earned him the enduring moniker of the "He-man." Over a career spanning an extraordinary 65 years, he appeared in more than 300 films, holding the record for the highest number of hit films in the industry. His rugged good looks and charismatic screen persona made him a beloved figure across generations, and his contributions to the arts were recognized with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, followed by a posthumous Padma Vibhushan in 2026.

Making his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, Dharmendra initially struggled to find his footing before gaining widespread attention in the mid-1960s with films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke. His breakthrough cemented his status as a leading man, and he soon became a dominant force in Hindi cinema. From the late 1960s through the 1980s, he consistently delivered blockbusters, including Ankhen, Shikar, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, and Hukumat. Beyond commercial successes, he also showcased his acting range in critically acclaimed works such as Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Satyakam, Naya Zamana, Chupke Chupke, and The Burning Train. His versatility allowed him to excel in both action-packed roles and nuanced dramatic performances.

In the late 1990s, Dharmendra transitioned smoothly into character roles, appearing in successful and acclaimed films like Life in a... Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. He received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, honoring his immense contributions to Bollywood. Beyond cinema, he ventured into politics, serving as a member of the 15th Lok Sabha representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from the Bharatiya Janata Party. His private life also drew significant attention, particularly his marriages to Prakash Kaur and actress Hema Malini, with whom he had a high-profile relationship that captivated the public. As the patriarch of the Deol family, his legacy extended to his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, who became prominent actors in their own right. Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025, leaving behind an indelible mark on Indian cinema as one of its greatest and most commercially successful stars.