Dharmendra
Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol (born 8 December 1935) is an Indian actor, producer, and politician who is primarily known for his work in Hindi films, as well as in a few Punjabi films. Sometimes nicknamed the "He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra is widely regarded to be amongst the most handsome Indian actors of his time. In 2012, he received the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, from the Government of India. Dharmendra has worked in over 300 films in a career spanning over six decades, he is considered one of the most successful actors in the history of Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra | |
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Dharmendra in 2012 | |
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
In office 13 May 2004 – 16 May 2009 | |
Preceded by | Rameshwar Lal Dudi |
Succeeded by | Arjun Ram Meghwal |
Constituency | Bikaner |
Personal details | |
Born | Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol 8 December 1935 Sahnewal, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, India) |
Nationality | British Indian (1935–1947) Indian (1947–present) |
Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
Spouses |
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Children | 6; (including Sunny, Bobby and Esha) |
Relatives | See Deol family |
Alma mater | Ramgarhia College, Phagwara Panjab University, Chandigarh |
Occupation |
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Awards | Padma Bhushan (2012) |
Signature | |
After making his debut in a small film, Dharmendra first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Kaajal, Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, among others. He then achieved greater stardom in later years, dubbed India's Garam Dharam for several of his on-screen roles in Hindi films. He consistently starred in top grossing Hindi films since the late 1960s to 1980s, including Aankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ram Balram, Kaatilon Ke Kaatil, Naukar Biwi Ka, Ghulami, Hukumat, Elaan-E-Jung and Tahalka. He earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of a prison doctor in Bandini, a soldier in Haqeeqat, a writer in Anupama, a righteous man in Satyakam and a professor in Chupke Chupke.
Beginning in the late 1990s, he appeared in character roles in several successful and acclaimed films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a... Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Bollywood. He was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).