Biography
Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol was born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village near Ludhiana, Punjab, into a Punjabi-Jat family. He initially studied at Ramgarhia College, Phagwara, before moving into films. Known for his striking looks and charisma, he earned the moniker “He-Man” in Hindi cinema. With modest beginnings in rural Punjab, his journey to becoming a major Bollywood star is regarded as one of the classic rags-to-riches stories in Indian film.

Career Life
Dharmendra made his film debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, and gradually rose to prominence in the 1960s through films like Bandini (1963) and Anpadh (1962). In the 1970s he cemented his superstardom with hits such as Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), and the classic Sholay (1975). Over a career spanning more than six decades, he starred in over 300 films and delivered a historic number of major hits—an enduring legacy in Bollywood.

Personal Life
Dharmendra has been married twice and is father to several children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol from his first marriage and actress Esha Deol from his second marriage to Hema Malini. He is known for his farmhouse retreat and quietly enjoys time away from the limelight. His contribution was recognised when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government in 2012.