History of Dharmendra in Timeline

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Dharmendra

Dharmendra is a highly celebrated Indian actor, producer, and politician renowned for his extensive work in Hindi cinema. With a career spanning 65 years and encompassing over 300 films, he's considered one of Indian cinema's greatest and most commercially successful stars. He holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

1 hour ago : Dharmendra's Health Scare: Ambulance Spotted, Fans Concerned, Death Rumors Debunked.

Recent reports sparked concern about Dharmendra's health after an ambulance was seen at his residence. Fans expressed worry, fueled by false death claims. However, these rumors were quickly debunked, and further updates are awaited.

December 1935: Dharmendra's Birth in Nasrali

In December 1935, Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol was born in Nasrali, a village in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, British India. He was born to Kewal Krishan and Satwant Kaur in a Punjabi Jat family.

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1952: Matriculation in Phagwara

In 1952, Dharmendra completed his matriculation in Phagwara. At that time, the schools of Punjab were under the jurisdiction of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

1954: First Marriage to Prakash Kaur

In 1954, at the age of 19, Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur before entering the film industry. They later had two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both successful film actors, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta.

1960: Film Debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere

In 1960, Dharmendra made his film debut with 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere'. Although the film did not gain immediate popularity, it marked the beginning of his career in Hindi films.

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1961: Commercial Success with Shola Aur Shabnam

In 1961, Dharmendra achieved his first commercial success with Ramesh Saigal's 'Shola Aur Shabnam'.

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1962: Based on the Sino-Indian War of 1962

Based on the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the film proved to be a major critical and commercial success, eventually emerging a superhit with one of its song "Kar Chale Ham Fida", a solo by Mohammed Rafi becoming hugely popular among the masses.

1962: Birth of Daughter Vijeta

In 1962, Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur had their daughter Vijeta.

1962: Success with Anpadh

In 1962, Dharmendra starred in Mohan Kumar's 'Anpadh', which became a successful film.

1963: Starred in Bandini

In 1963, Dharmendra starred in Bimal Roy's 'Bandini', which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

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1964: Breakthrough with Ayee Milan Ki Bela

In 1964, Dharmendra had his breakthrough role in Mohan Kumar's 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela' alongside Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu. Despite playing the antagonist, he received a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

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1965: Success in Kaajal

In 1965, Dharmendra achieved another major success with Ram Maheshwari's romantic drama 'Kaajal', also starring Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar, and Padmini.

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1966: Birth of Daughter Ajeeta

In 1966, Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur had their daughter Ajeeta.

1966: Success with Phool Aur Patthar

In 1966, Dharmendra reunited with Meena Kumari for 'Phool Aur Patthar', which became a major blockbuster and established him as a saleable star. He received his first Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actor for this film and was given a souvenir at the 14th National Film Awards for his performance in 'Anupama'.

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1968: Appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actors" list

In 1968, Dharmendra first appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actors" list.

1968: Blockbusters Shikar and Ankhen

In 1968, Dharmendra starred in the mystery thriller 'Shikar' and the spy thriller 'Ankhen', both of which were commercially successful and established him as a leading actor.

1969: Success of Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke and Critical Acclaim for Satyakam

In 1969, Dharmendra starred in 'Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke', which was a superhit, followed by successful films like 'Yakeen', 'Pyar Hi Pyar', and 'Aadmi Aur Insaan'. He also received acclaim for his role in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's social drama 'Satyakam'.

1969: Presenter for Satyakam

In 1969, Dharmendra was the presenter for his film Satyakam.

1970: Successes and pairing with Hema Malini

In 1970, Dharmendra delivered four major successes and formed a hit pair with Hema Malini. His first release was 'Jeevan Mrityu', followed by 'Tum Haseen Main Jawan' and 'Sharafat', all opposite Hema Malini. He also starred in 'Mera Naam Joker'.

1970: Presenter for Kab Kyun Aur Kahan

In 1970, Dharmendra was the presenter for his film Kab Kyun Aur Kahan.

1971: Starring in Mera Gaon Mera Desh

In 1971, Dharmendra starred in Raj Khosla's action drama 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', which became a major success and established his image as an action hero. He received his second nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh'.

1972: Success with Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, and Samadhi

In 1972, Dharmendra starred in 'Seeta Aur Geeta', 'Raja Jani', and 'Samadhi', all of which were commercially successful. The success of these films took Dharmendra to the number one position among his contemporaries, establishing him as a superstar.

1972: Topped Box Office India's "Top Actors" list

In 1972, Dharmendra topped Box Office India's "Top Actors" list.

1973: Success of Loafer, Jheel Ke Us Paar, and Jugnu

1973 was a successful year in Dharmendra's career, starting with the release of 'Loafer'. This was followed by the film 'Jugnu' which proved to be a hit in both India and the Soviet Union. Towards the end of the year, Dharmendra appeared in the blockbuster 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat'.

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1973: Successful films in 1973

In 1973, Dharmendra's successful films included Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Loafer, Kahani Kismat Ki, Jheel Ke Us Paar, Keemat and Blackmail.

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1975: Topped Box Office India's "Top Actors" list

In 1975, Dharmendra topped Box Office India's "Top Actors" list.

1975: Public Anger and Shift in Movie Themes

In 1975, public anger due to the Emergency resulted in the success of films featuring characters revolting against corruption and the establishment. This period saw a shift from romantic movies to action-oriented multi-starrers.

1980: Guru Remake

In 1980, Jugnu was remade in Tamil and Telugu as Guru.

1981: Birth of Daughter Esha Deol

In 1981, Dharmendra and Hema Malini had their daughter, Esha Deol, who later became an actress.

1983: Establishment of Vijayta Films and Release of Betaab

In 1983, Dharmendra established Vijayta Films. Their first venture, Betaab, released in 1983, launched his son Sunny Deol as the lead actor and became the second highest-grossing film of the year.

1984: Appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actors" list

In 1984, Dharmendra appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actors" list.

1985: Birth of Daughter Ahana Deol

In 1985, Dharmendra and Hema Malini had their daughter, Ahana Deol, who later became an assistant director.

1987: Appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actors" list

In 1987, Dharmendra appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actors" list.

1987: Profitable Ventures in 1987

In 1987, Dharmendra's profitable ventures included Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Loha, Insaniyat Ke Dushman, Watan Ke Rakhwale, Insaf Ki Pukar and Insaaf Kaun Karega.

1990: Production of Ghayal

In 1990, Dharmendra produced the action film Ghayal, also starring his son Sunny Deol. The film earned seven Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, and won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

1995: Production of Barsaat

In 1995, Dharmendra produced Barsaat, a film to launch his son Bobby Deol and Twinkle Khanna. It became a superhit and was the costliest Indian film made until then.

1997: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1997, Dharmendra received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to Bollywood. This award recognized his long and successful career in the Indian film industry.

2004: Elected to Indian Parliament and Controversial Remark

In 2004, Dharmendra was elected as a Member of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Bharatiya Janata Party representing Bikaner in Rajasthan. During his election campaign in 2004, he made an offensive remark about being elected dictator perpetuo, leading to severe criticism.

2004: Assertion of Hindu Faith

In 2004, during a political campaign, rumors circulated about Dharmendra and Hema Malini converting to Islam for their marriage. Dharmendra asserted that he remained a Hindu and that his family followed Arya Samaj.

2005: Filmfare Best Film of 50 years for Sholay

In 2005, the judges of the 50th annual Filmfare Awards gave Sholay the special distinction of Filmfare Best Film of 50 years.

2007: Jaya Bachchan's admiration on Koffee with Karan

In a 2007 episode of Koffee with Karan, Jaya Bachchan expressed her admiration for Dharmendra, describing him as a “Greek god.”

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July 2011: Judge on India's Got Talent

In July 2011, Dharmendra replaced Sajid Khan as a judge on the third series of India's Got Talent. On 29 July 2011, the show aired on Colors TV with Dharmendra as the new judge and surpassed the opening ratings of the previous two seasons.

2015: Health issues between 2015 and 2020

Between 2015 and 2020, Dharmendra faced health issues like back pain, muscle strain, and weakness, sometimes needing hospitalisation.

2022: Placed in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list

In 2022, Dharmendra was included in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.

2023: Expressing Neglect from Bollywood

In 2023, Dharmendra expressed his opinion that Bollywood neglected his family and did not appreciate the Deol family's contribution to Indian cinema.

2023: Television Acting Debut

In 2023, Dharmendra made his television acting debut as Salim Chisti in the historical series Taj: Divided by Blood, available on ZEE5.

October 2025: Hospitalisation for Breathing Difficulties

In October 2025, specifically on October 31, Dharmendra was hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital for breathing difficulties and admitted to the ICU for observation but was discharged within a few hours after stabilization.

November 2025: Dharmendra's Death

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol died on November 24, 2025. He was an Indian actor, producer, and politician, primarily known for his work in Hindi films.

November 2025: Hospitalisation for respiratory issues

On November 10, 2025, Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for respiratory issues and placed under continuous medical supervision with ventilator support.

November 2025: Death Rumours

On November 11, 2025, rumours circulated that Dharmendra had passed away, prompting responses from public figures. These rumours were later dismissed by his family, who confirmed he was alive and stable.

2025: Corneal Transplant Surgery

In 2025, Dharmendra underwent corneal transplant surgery after his left eye's cornea was damaged.