Sholay's Veeru to Phool Aur Patthar's action hero: A glimpse into Dharmendra's legacy

Veteran actor Dharmendra, widely regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved stars of his generation in Indian cinema, passed away on Monday. Fondly known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra was celebrated not only for his powerful on-screen presence but also for his timeless charm and striking good looks that won him millions of admirers across generations. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable films that defined his stardom and made him a true legend of Indian cinema.
Sholay
No discussion of Ramesh Sippy’s classic Sholay is complete without mentioning Dharmendra’s unforgettable performance. As Veeru, the carefree and jovial partner-in-crime to Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai, Dharmendra brought warmth, humor, and heart to the film. Hired by the retired police officer Thakur Baldev Singh to capture the dreaded bandit Gabbar Singh (played by Amjad Khan), Veeru’s character became an audience favorite—thanks to Dharmendra’s effortless charm, comic timing, and emotional depth.

Phool Aur Patthar
This action love drama was among the first few films that established Dharmendra as a leading actor capable of doing action, while also playing a romantic hero. He played a man with a troubled past who  gets the chance to redeem himself through the course of the narrative. The film also starred Meena Kumari, and their on-screen chemistry added a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. Dharmendra’s ability to balance both strength and sensitivity in this role marked a turning point in his career.

Ayee Milan Ki Bela
‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’ is widely regarded as Dharmendra's breakthrough film, offering him a platform to showcase his talent for portraying nuanced characters. The film not only became a major box-office hit but also marked one of the earliest instances of Dharmendra playing a character with shades of grey, adding depth to his acting repertoire.

Chupke Chupke
Dharmendra emerged as one of the most versatile actors of the 1960s and 1970s, proving that he could seamlessly transition from intense roles to comedy, while also taking on a wide range of diverse characters. In Chupke Chupke, he played the charming and mischievous Parimal Tripathi, Dharmendra’s impeccable comic timing brought an infectious energy to the film. His performance, alongside Sharmila Tagore and Amitabh Bachchan, turned this light-hearted, prank-filled comedy into a timeless classic.

Satyakam
Satyapriya Acharya in Satyakam, directed by the legendary Hrishikesh Mukherjee, remains one of Dharmendra’s most celebrated roles in a career that spanned over six decades. The film, widely regarded as a masterpiece, was not only a critical success but also went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Alongside its acclaim for its storytelling, the performances of the cast, particularly Dharmendra’s portrayal of Satyapriya, were widely praised. The film follows Satyapriya, a man steadfast in his principles, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Haqeeqat
War dramas are one of the most compelling and popular genres in Hindi cinema, and Haqeeqat (1964) stands as a powerful example. Set against the backdrop of the Indo-Chinese war, the film explores the harsh realities faced by Indian soldiers as they fight to defend their country on treacherous terrain, surrounded by the enemy forces. Dharmendra portrays Captain Bahadur Singh, a dedicated officer entrusted with leading one of the platoons.

Anupama
Dharmendra played a unique character in ‘Anupama’, which is probably one of the early works in Hindi cinema to explore the complex relationship between a father and daughter. Dharmendra plays Ashok who falls in love with the daughter (Sharmila Tagore) who turns out to be a demure, young woman who does not know her true worth due to her troubled childhood.