He-Man of Bollywood Dharmendra Passes Away at 89: Iconic Roles That Will Be Remembered Forever

Phool Aur Patthar (1966) is one of Dharmendra’s earliest and most iconic films, which established him as a leading Bollywood actor. He played the role of Shaka, a rugged and tough criminal with a hidden heart of gold. The film showcased his strong screen presence, intense action, and emotional depth, earning him widespread acclaim and marking the beginning of his journey as the “He-Man of Bollywood.”

Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) is a classic Bollywood comedy-drama in which Dharmendra played the charming and heroic lead opposite Hema Malini’s dual roles as the twins Seeta and Geeta.The film is remembered for its entertaining mix of romance, humor, and drama, cementing Dharmendra’s status as a versatile superstar.

Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) is a classic Bollywood action-drama in which Dharmendra played Suraj, one of three brothers separated in childhood after their parents are murdered. Known for its iconic music and emotional storyline, the film features Dharmendra in a mix of action-packed and emotional sequences, showcasing his versatility. 

In the iconic film Sholay (1975), Dharmendra played Veeru, one of the two brave and loyal friends alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai. Dharmendra’s performance as Veeru became legendary, and the character is still remembered as one of the most beloved roles in Bollywood history.

"Dillagi" (1978) is a romantic comedy starring Dharmendra and Hema Malini. Based on the Bengali novella Kalidas O Chemistry by Bimal Kar, the film is notable for showcasing Dharmendra in a unique, softer role as a Sanskrit professor, a refreshing contrast to his usual "He-Man" action hero persona.

Apne (2007) is a Hindi sports drama directed by Anil Sharma, starring real-life father-son trio Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, and Bobby Deol. Dharmendra plays Baldev Singh Choudhary, a former Olympic silver medalist boxer whose career was ruined by false doping charges. He dreams of his sons becoming world heavyweight champions to restore his honor. The film focuses on family bonds, dreams, and redemption.

In Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (2023), Dharmendra played Kanwal Lund, a key elder family member adding charm and warmth to the story. His character shares a poignant reunion with Jamini, featuring a much-discussed on-screen kiss that highlighted their “risky” love story and helped drive the main plot. Dharmendra’s performance added depth and timeless appeal to the film.

Dharmendra’s upcoming movie, Ikkis, is set for a worldwide release on December 25, 2025. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film stars Dharmendra in a key role alongside Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat. Reportedly, this will be the last movie of Dharmendra’s illustrious career, making it a highly anticipated farewell to the legendary actor.

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