Dharmendra: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}

| birth_name          = Dharam Singh Deol

| occupation          = {{hlist|Actor|film producer|politician|film presenter}}

| children            = 6; (including [[Sunny Deol]], [[Bobby Deol]] and [[Esha Deol]])

'''Dharmendra''' (born '''Dharam Singh Deol'''; 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 language|Punjabi]] films. Known as the first "[[He-Man]]" of [[Bollywood]], Dharmendra has worked in over 300 films in a career spanning over six decades,<ref>{{Cite news|title=10 unknown and interesting facts about Bollywood's He-Man, Dharmendra|url=https://www.bombaytimes.com/photostory/61978078.cms|access-date=25 June 2020|work=The Times of India|date=8 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=7 December 2015|title=Dharmendra turns 80! 10 stories you probably never knew about the 'He-Man'|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/dharmendra-birthday-10-unknown-facts-25606.html|access-date=25 June 2020|work=India TV News}}</ref> He is one of the most successful actors in the history of [[Indian Cinema]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/decoding-dharmendra-6-blockbusters-7-super-hits-36-hits-defines-man-bollywood/ | title=Decoding Dharmendra: 6 Blockbusters, 7 Super Hits & 36 Hits Defines the He-Man of Bollywood! | date=11 May 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Happy Birthday Dharmendra – Bollywood's first 'He-man'|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/happy-birthday-dharmendra-bollywoods-first-he-man|access-date=25 June 2020|work=Free Press Journal|language=en|date=8 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dharmendra - An actor & a gentleman|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/dharmendra-an-actor-a-gentleman-28495.html|access-date=25 June 2020|website=filmfare.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Rewind - Sixty Years Of Dharmendra|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6104|work=Box Office India|language=en|date=24 November 2020}}</ref> In 1997, he received the [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award]] for his contribution to [[Hindi cinema|Bollywood]]. He was a member of the [[15th Lok Sabha]] of [[India]], representing [[Bikaner]] constituency in [[Rajasthan]] from [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP). In 2012, he was awarded India's third-highest civilian honour [[Padma Bhushan]] by the [[Government of India]].<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79881|title=Padma Awards|publisher=pib|date=27 January 2013|access-date=16 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524145714/http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79881|archive-date=24 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

He debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere directed by Arjun Hingorani. He first gained popularity in the late 1960s for films such as [[Phool Aur Patthar]], [[Aankhen (1968 film)|Aankhen]], [[Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke]], [[Aaye Din Bahar Ke]] 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 Indian films with critical acclaim since late 1960s to 90s, such as [[Mera Gaon Mera Desh]], [[Seeta Aur Geeta]], [[Guddi (1971 film)|Guddi]], [[Raja Jani]], [[Samadhi]], [[Jugnu (1973 film)|Jugnu]], [[Yaadon Ki Baaraat]], [[Kahani Kismat Ki]], [[Loafer (1973 film)|Loafer]], [[Jheel Ke Us Paar]], [[Keemat (1973 film)|Keemat]], [[Blackmail (1973 film)|Blackmail]], [[Dost (1974 film)|Dost]], [[Patthar Aur Payal]], [[Sholay]], [[Pratigya (1975 film)|Pratigya]], [[Chupke Chupke (film)|Chupke Chupke]], [[Charas (1976 film)|Charas]], [[Dharam Veer (film)|Dharam Veer]], [[Barood (1976 film)|Barood]], [[Hukumat]]

Dharmendra was born Dharam Singh Deol<ref name="FRICTION"/> in [[Sahnewal]], a village in [[Ludhiana district]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British India]] on 8 December 1935 to Kewal Kishan Singh Deol and Satwant Kaur into a [[Jat Sikh]] family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Happy Birthday Dharmendra: As the actor turns 84, see his family pics |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/happy-birthday-dharmendra-as-bollywood-s-muscleman-turns-84-his-most-adorable-pics-with-family-see-pics/story-l5Kxl05Vj5nhAMaqLE2XnI.html |access-date=27 May 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |date=8 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=FRICTION>{{cite web|title=Watch in Conversation with The Deols|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010z34s|work=13 November 2012|publisher=BBC Asian Network|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119233753/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010z34s|archive-date=19 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=thedeols|url=http://vijaytafilms.com/thedeols.html|access-date=6 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606081153/http://www.vijaytafilms.com/thedeols.html|archive-date=6 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sumbly|first=Vimal|title=Dharmendra walks down memory lane|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020104/ldh1.htm|date=4 January 2002|work=Ludhiana Tribune|access-date=16 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214542/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020104/ldh1.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="I am a farmer's son: Dharmendra">{{cite news |last1=Kashyap |first1=Archita |title=I am a farmer's son: Dharmendra |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/i-am-a-farmers-son-dharmendra/article7361469.ece |access-date=3 November 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=27 June 2015 |language=en-IN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103093244/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/i-am-a-farmers-son-dharmendra/article7361469.ece |archive-date=3 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Happy Birthday Dharmendra: As Bollywood's muscleman turns 84, his most adorable pics with family. See them here |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/happy-birthday-dharmendra-as-bollywood-s-muscleman-turns-84-his-most-adorable-pics-with-family-see-pics/story-l5Kxl05Vj5nhAMaqLE2XnI.html |access-date=12 March 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=8 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref> His ancestral village is [[Dangon]], near Pakhowal Tehsil [[Raikot]], [[Ludhiana]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dharmendra nostalgic on visiting Dangon|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131106/ldh1.htm#8|date=6 November 2013|work=Ludhiana Tribune|access-date=15 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110402/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131106/ldh1.htm#8|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="I am a farmer's son: Dharmendra"/>

Dharmendra was the winner of ''[[Filmfare]]'' magazine's nationally organised new talent award and went to [[Mumbai]] from [[Punjab]], to work in the movie promised, being the award winner, but the movie was never made.{{cn|date=June 2023}} He later made his debut with [[Arjun Hingorani]]'s ''[[Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere]]'' in 1960.<ref name="Express2">{{cite web|title=Dharmendra – Action King: Romantic hero|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/pictureStory.php?galId=1101&pg=1&view=1|work=The Indian Express|access-date=16 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article868667.ece|title=My First Break: Dharmendra|author=Ranjana Das Gupta|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 November 2010|access-date=8 December 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204212734/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article868667.ece|archive-date=4 December 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> He had a supporting role in the film ''[[Boy Friend (1961 film)|Boy Friend]]'' in 1961, and was cast as the romantic interest in several films between 1960 and 1967.{{cn|date=June 2023}}

He worked with [[Nutan]] in ''[[Soorat Aur Seerat]]'' (1962), ''[[Bandini (film)|Bandini]]'' (1963), ''[[Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966 film)|Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya]]'' (1966), and ''[[Dulhan Ek Raat Ki]]'' (1967); with [[Mala Sinha]] in ''[[Anpadh]]'' (1962), ''[[Pooja Ke Phool]]'' (1964), ''[[Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi]]'' (1966), and ''[[Ankhen (1968 film)|Ankhen]]'' (1968); with [[Nanda (actress)|Nanda]] in ''[[Akashdeep]]'' (1965); and with [[Saira Banu]] in ''[[Shaadi (1962 film)|Shaadi]]'' (1962), ''[[Ayee Milan Ki Bela]]'' (1964), in which he was the second lead, but with negative portents, and ''[[Resham Ki Dori]]'' (1974). Dharmendra formed a successful pairing with [[Meena Kumari]] and shared the screen in 7 films namely ''[[Main Bhi Ladki Hoon]]'' (1964), ''[[Kaajal]]'' (1965), ''[[Purnima (film)|Purnima]]'' (1965), ''[[Phool Aur Patthar]]'' (1966), ''[[Majhli Didi]]'' (1967), ''[[Chandan Ka Palna]]'' (1967) and ''[[Baharon Ki Manzil (1968 film)|Baharon Ki Manzil]]'' (1968).{{cn|date=June 2023}} He had a solo hero role in ''[[Phool Aur Patthar]]'' (1966), which was his first action film. It has been speculated for a long time that [[Meena Kumari]] and Dharmendra had an intimate relationship in the 1960s.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mishra|first1=Vijay|title=Bollywood cinema : temples of desire|date=2002|publisher=Routledge|location=London|isbn=978-0415930154|pages=xvi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N5Z9_ysSgW8C&pg=PA1|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pal|first1=Chandrima|title=Men who loved and left Meena Kumari|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Meena-Kumari-Queen-of-broken-hearts/articleshow/21839971.cms|access-date=18 January 2017|publisher=Mumbai Mirror|date=15 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205140014/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Meena-Kumari-Queen-of-broken-hearts/articleshow/21839971.cms|archive-date=5 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Jha|first1=Subhash K|title=The essential guide to Bollywood|date=2006|publisher=Lustre Press|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-8174363787|pages=1966|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s1mVuJJPm3UC&pg=PA1950|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref> [[Meena Kumari]] helped him to establish himself among the A-listers of that time.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mehta |first=Vinod |title=Meena Kumari: The Classic Biography |title-link=Meena Kumari (book) |year=2013 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers India |isbn=9789350296271 |page=1949}}</ref> ''[[Phool Aur Paththar]]'' became the highest-grossing film of 1966 and Dharmendra was nominated for [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dharmendra charms the Big Apple|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/sep/22/slide-show-1-dharmendra-wows-new-york.htm|publisher=Rediff|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200450/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/sep/22/slide-show-1-dharmendra-wows-new-york.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> His performance in ''[[Anupama (1966 film)|Anupama]]'' was critically acclaimed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hema Malini 35th marriage anniversary|url=http://post.jagran.com/Love-is-togetherness-says-Hema-Malini-on-35th-marriage-anniversary-1430549819|access-date=2 May 2015|issue=Post.jagran.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504014231/http://post.jagran.com/love-is-togetherness-says-hema-malini-on-35th-marriage-anniversary-1430549819|archive-date=4 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> He was given a souvenir at the [[14th National Film Awards]] in recognition of his performance in the film.<ref>{{cite news|title=Film awards presented|agency=Press Trust of India|publisher=The Indian Express|date=11 October 1967|pages=7}}</ref> He did romantic roles in films like ''Aaye Milan Ki Bela'', ''[[Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke|Aaya Sawan Jhoomke]]'', ''[[Mere Hamdam Mere Dost]]'', ''[[Ishq Par Zor Nahin]]'', ''[[Pyar Hi Pyar]]'' and ''[[Jeevan Mrityu]]''.{{cn|date=June 2023}} He did suspense thrillers like ''[[Shikar (1968 film)|Shikar]]'', ''[[Blackmail (1973 film)|Blackmail]]'', [[Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan?|''Kab Kyun Aur Kahan'']] and ''[[Keemat (1973 film)|Keemat]]''. He received a [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Filmfare Best Actor]] nomination for an action hero role in the 1971 hit film ''[[Mera Gaon Mera Desh]]''.{{cn|date=June 2023}} Having played romantic as well as action hero parts, he began to be called a versatile actor by 1975.{{cn|date=June 2023}}

Dharmendra went on to star in a number of action films between 1976 and 1984, including ''[[Dharam Veer (1977 film)|Dharam Veer]]'', ''[[Charas (1976 film)|Charas]]'', ''[[Azaad (1978 film)|Azaad]]'', ''[[Katilon Ke Kaatil]]'', ''[[Ghazab]]'', ''[[Rajput (film)|Rajput]]'', ''[[Baghawat]]'', ''[[Jaani Dost]]'', ''[[Dharm Aur Qanoon]]'', ''[[Main Intequam Loonga]]'', ''[[Jeene Nahi Doonga]]'', ''[[Hukumat]]'' and ''[[Raaj Tilak (1984 film)|Raaj Tilak]]''. Along with [[Rajesh Khanna]] he acted in ''Tinku'', ''[[Rajput (film)|Rajput]]'' and ''[[Dharm Aur Qanoon]]'', all of which became hits, however their last film in cameo appearance together; ''[[Mohabbat Ki Kasam]]'' (1986) was a flop.<ref>{{cite news|title=That's Entertainment|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 September 1986|pages=3}}</ref> He worked with [[Jeetendra]] in ''[[Dharam Veer (film)|Dharmveer]]'', ''[[Samraat (film)|Samraat]]'', ''[[The Burning Train|Burning Train]]'', ''[[Jaan Hatheli Pe]]'', ''[[Kinara (film)|Kinara]]'', ''[[Dharam Karam|Dharam Karma]]'' and ''[[Nafrat Ki Aandhi]]''. He also played con man or gangster in ''[[Shalimar (1978 film)|Shalimar]]'', ''[[Qayamat (1983 film)|Qayamat]]'', ''[[Jaan Hatheli Pe]]'', ''[[Jhutha Sach (film)|Jhuta Sach]]'', ''[[Sitamgar]]'', ''[[Professor Pyarelal]]'' and ''[[Phandebaaz]]''.{{cn|date=June 2023}} He also was in the 1987 movie ''Superman''. {{cn|date=June 2023}}

He has worked with various directors, each with a different style of film-making.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dharmendra – Action King: Comic leanings|url=https://www.couponraja.in/theroyale/dharmendra-action-king-comic-leanings/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910131758/https://www.couponraja.in/theroyale/dharmendra-action-king-comic-leanings/|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2018|work=The Royale|access-date=23 December 2010}}</ref> His longest collaboration was with director [[Arjun Hingorani]] from 1960 to 1991. ''[[Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere]]'' was the debut film of Dharmendra as an actor and Arjun's first directorial venture with Dharmendra as the lead hero.<ref name="TOI1">{{cite news |last1=Jaisinghani |first1=Bella |title=Arjun Hingorani dead: Director Arjun Hingorani who introduced Sadhana and Dharmendra dies at 92 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/director-arjun-hingorani-who-introduced-sadhana-and-dharmendra-dies-at-92/articleshow/64055050.cms |access-date=26 April 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=6 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name= "Joshi">{{cite book |last=Joshi |first=Sumit |title=Bollywood Through Ages |publisher=Best Book Reads |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=WHQWCgAAQBAJ&q=Arjun+Hingorani&pg=PT65|isbn=9781311676696 }}</ref> They worked together in ''[[Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan?]]'', ''[[Kahani Kismat Ki]]'', ''[[Khel Khilari Ka]]'', ''[[Katilon Ke Kaatil]]'' and ''[[Kaun Kare Kurbanie]]'' where [[Arjun Hingorani]] was the producer and the director, and ''[[Sultanat (1986 film)|Sultanat]]'' and ''[[Karishma Kudrat Kaa]]'', produced by [[Arjun Hingorani]]. He worked with director [[Pramod Chakravorty]] in ''[[Naya Zamana (1971 film)|Naya Zamana]]'', ''[[Dream Girl (1977 film)|Dream Girl]]'', ''[[Azaad (1978 film)|Azaad]]'' and ''[[Jugnu (1973 film)|Jugnu]]''. Dharmendra has played dual roles in many films such as ''[[Yakeen (1969 film)|Yakeen]]'' (1969) as both the hero and the villain, ''[[Samadhi]]'' (1972) as father and son, ''[[Ghazab]]'' (1982) as twin brothers, lookalikes in ''[[Jhutha Sach (film)|Jhutha Sach]]'' (1984) and ''[[Jeeo Shaan Se]]'' (1997) in triple roles.{{cn|date=June 2023}}

After a four-year hiatus from acting since 2003, he reappeared in films as a character actor in 2007 in ''[[Life in a... Metro]]'' and ''[[Apne]]''; both films were both critically and commercially successful. In the latter, he appears with both his sons, [[Sunny Deol|Sunny]] and [[Bobby Deol|Bobby]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|title='It's good that I did not get any award'|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/01slid1.htm|publisher=Rediff|access-date=23 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308084014/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/01slid1.htm|archive-date=8 March 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> His other release was ''[[Johnny Gaddaar]]''. In 2011, he starred alongside his sons again in ''[[Yamla Pagla Deewana]]'', which was released on 14 January 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yamla Pagla Deewana highlights|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2011/yamla-pagla-deewana-highlight-deols-130111-aid0064.html|work=One India|access-date=18 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020014/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2011/yamla-pagla-deewana-highlight-deols-130111-aid0064.html|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live|date=13 January 2011}}</ref>

 

In 1983, Dharmendra set up a production company known as [[Vijayta Films]]. In its maiden venture ''[[Betaab]]'', released in 1983, [[Vijayta Films]] launched Dharmendra's elder son [[Sunny Deol]] as the lead actor.{{cn|date=June 2023}} The movie was the second highest-grossing movie of the year. In 1990 he produced the action film ''[[Ghayal (1990 film)|Ghayal]]'', also starring Sunny. The film won seven [[Filmfare Awards]], including the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film]].{{cn|date=June 2023}} It won the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]. Dharmendra then launched the career of his younger son, [[Bobby Deol|Bobby]], in 1995 in ''[[Barsaat (1995 film)|Barsaat]]'', which was again a Box office hit.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vijayakar |first1=Rajeev |title=Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Rangeela and more: 1995 was an exceptional year |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/dilwale-dulhania-le-jayenge-rangeela-1995-exceptional-year/ |access-date=25 March 2020 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=1 March 2020}}</ref>

Dharmendra's first marriage was to Parkash Kaur at the age of 19 in 1954, when he had not entered films.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bobby Deol Reportedly Attacked Hema Malini with a Knife After Dharmendra's 2nd Marriage; Here's What Prakash Kaur Said on the Matter! |url=https://daily.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-BOW-dharmendra-hema-controversy-5440408-PHO.html |access-date=13 February 2020 |work=dailybhaskar |date=16 October 2016 |language=en}}</ref> He had two sons from this marriage, [[Sunny Deol|Sunny]] and [[Bobby Deol|Bobby]], both successful film actors, and two daughters, Vijeeta and Ajeeta. His nephew [[Abhay Deol]] is also an actor.

After moving to [[Mumbai|Bombay]] and getting into the film business, Dharmendra married [[Hema Malini]], which was mired with controversies at that time, with rumours about Dharmendra and Hema Malini converting to Islam for this marriage, a fact which has been denied by both since then.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dharmendra or "Dilawar Khan?"|url=http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/16-30Jun04-Print-Edition/163006200433.htm|access-date=18 June 2016|publisher=[[Milli Gazette]]|date=30 June 2004|quote=When his political rivals brought the issue to the notice of election authorities and the general public, he denied his conversion to Islam and change of name.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624093107/http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/16-30Jun04-Print-Edition/163006200433.htm|archive-date=24 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="converted">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/Celebrities-who-converted-to-Islam/photostory/30985640.cms|title=Celebrities who converted to Islam|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=23 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227231411/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/Celebrities-who-converted-to-Islam/photostory/30985640.cms|archive-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He and Malini starred together in a number of movies in the early 1970s, including ''[[Sholay]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hema Malini on 35th wedding anniversary|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/love-is-togetherness-hema-malini-on-35th-wedding-anniversary/16181170|access-date=2 May 2015|work=[[Mid-Day]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921114842/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/love-is-togetherness-hema-malini-on-35th-wedding-anniversary/16181170|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dharmendra – Action King: Personal life|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/pictureStory.php?galId=1101&pg=4&view=4|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126142727/http://www.indianexpress.com/pictureStory.php?galId=1101&pg=4&view=4|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2 July 2011}}</ref> The couple has two daughters, [[Esha Deol]] (an actress, born in 1981) and Ahana Deol (an assistant director, born in 1985).

Dharmendra's grandson and son of Bobby Deol, is also named "Dharam Singh Deol" after Dharmendra.<ref name=grand1>{{cite news |last1=Goyal |first1=Divya |title=Viral: The Internet Is Crushing On Bobby Deol's Son Aryaman |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/viral-the-internet-is-crushing-on-bobby-deols-son-aryaman-1984709 |access-date=27 July 2022 |work=NDTV |date=29 January 2019}}</ref>

Dharmendra is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful actors in the history of Indian cinema.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dharmendra: Stars shine for some time and fade away, but an actor will always leave behind a legacy|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/dharmendra-stars-shine-for-some-time-and-fade-away-but-an-actor-will-always-leave-behind-a-legacy/articleshow/64355437.cms|access-date=10 July 2023|work=Times of India}}</ref>Dharmendra was considered one of the most handsome men in the world during his early career..<ref>{{cite web|title=When Dharmendra was compared to a Hollywood star who he didn't recognise: 'Uski picture hi nahi dekhi thi'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/when-dharmendra-was-compared-to-a-hollywood-star-who-he-didn-t-recognise-uski-picture-hi-nahi-dekhi-thi-101642923670930.html|access-date=10 July 2023|work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>When [[Dilip Kumar]] was giving Lifetime Achievement Filmfare Award to Dharmendra, then, Speaking on this occasion [[Dilip Kumar]] commented, "Whenever I get to meet with God Almighty, I will set before Him my only complaint – why did you not make me as handsome as Dharmendra?"<ref>{{cite news|title=धर्मेंद्र ने एक अवॉर्ड शो में इमोशनल होकर दिलीप कुमार के बारे में कहा था- 'हम एक मां की कोख से क्यों पैदा नहीं हुए'|url=https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/bollywood-dharmendra-pays-his-respect-to-dilip-kumar-at-his-residence-was-inspired-with-the-legendary-actor-21806930.html|access-date=10 July 2023|work=Jagran}}</ref>

* [[38th National Film Awards|1990]] – [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] – ''[[Ghayal (1990 film)|Ghayal]]''{{cn|date=June 2023}}

* In 2005, he received the [[Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement]]{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

* In 2007, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the [[Pune International Film Festival]] (PIFF){{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

* In 2007, he received an [[IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

* In 2008, he was named "Actor Par Excellence" at the Max [[Stardust Awards]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

* In 2010, he was honoured as the Big Star Entertainer for his half-century of excellence at the [[BIG Star Entertainment Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dabangg bags 5 Big Star Entertainment Awards|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2010/dabangg-bigstar-entertainment-awards-221210.html|publisher=One India|access-date=22 December 2010|author=Kalyani Prasad Keshri|date=22 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022025323/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2010/dabangg-bigstar-entertainment-awards-221210.html|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

* In 2011, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the [[Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Award]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

* {{Official Website|http://vijaytafilms.com/}}