A look into Dharmendra’s Bollywood journey, which won Hema Malini’s heart after a below-average debut.

Dharmendra is considered one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema, with a career spanning over 60 years and over 300 film appearances. Despite his age of 88 years, the superstar of yesteryear has continued to appear in long-running cameos and important roles, as seen in his latest appearance in Karan Johar’s Rocky Our Rani Ki Prem Kahaani. He continues to grace the silver screen with various roles. Currently, he is gearing up for his next venture ‘Teri Barton Mein Aisa Urja Jiya’, which is written and directed by Amit Joshi, along with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

In a recently re-released video, Dharmendra recalled his humble beginnings in the film industry and recalled his debut role in the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. In an episode of ‘Dance Deewane’, he talked about his first meeting with the producers where they offered him a meager amount of Rs 51 for the role. Although the salary was low, he considers it a blessing in disguise, considering Dharmendra’s subsequent rise to stardom.

Although his earlier films, including his debut, failed to make much of an impact at the box office, Dharmendra’s breakthrough came with Ramesh Sehgal’s Shola Aur Shabnam in 1961. But it was 1966’s Pour His Aur His Patthar that truly established him as Bollywood’s new handsome sensation. Following this success, Dharmendra acted in a number of hit films such as Anken, Shikhar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrithiu, Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, Sharafat, Sholai and Dharam Veer.

Beyond his achievements in the film industry, Dharmendra’s love story with actress Hema Malini grabbed headlines. Even though she married Prakash Kaur at the age of 19, Dharmendra fell in love with Hema during her film work. However, her legal constraints prevented her from divorcing her first wife and marrying Hema. In a bold move, the couple converted to Islam, with Dharmendra taking the name Dilwar Khan and Hema identifying herself as Ayesha BR Chakraborty in 1979. The couple finally got married in 1980 and later became parents to Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini have co-starred in several blockbuster films including Sholai, Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Dream Girl and Razia Sultan, and their on-screen duo He left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his human chemistry and real-life love story.