15 Must-Watch Dharmendra Films to Remember Him By

On December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, British India, a boy was born who was destined for stardom.

He was named Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, and growing up, he had ambitions of acting, shining in his eyes.

In the late 1950s, he won the Filmfare contest for organised new talent and travelled to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue his dreams.

After he made his debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), the audience was introduced to a handsome, talented actor who redefined machismo and charm onscreen.

Over the course of six decades, Dharam Ji brought to life enigmatic characters in resplendent ways.

As we pay tribute to this legendary star, DESIblitz proudly presents 15 iconic films of Dharmendra that you must watch.

Haqeeqat (1964)

Director: Chetan Anand
Stars: Dharmendra, Balraj Sahni, Priya Rajvansh, Sanjay Khan

An epic war film, Haqeeqat stars Dharmendra under the baton of the ace director, Chetan Anand.

The actor portrays Captain Bahadur Singh, a soldier in charge of his Ladakh platoon.

In this patriotic portrait of independence, victory, and bravery, Dharam Ji shines as a conflicted young soldier.

He uses his inherent charm to capture the empathy of viewers who were less than two decades on from having witnessed their country regain its sovereignty.

Reviewing the film for India Today, Sandipan Sharma writes: “Haqeeqat isn’t a movie.

“It is the template for almost every war film made in Bollywood since 1964.”

“It is a stirring requiem for the brave, a symphony of resilience, and a daring dance of martyrdom.

“A celebration of patriotism that will inspire India and its films for generations.”

Though one of Dharam Ji’s early films, it assures the audience that this actor is here to stay.

Phool Aur Patthar (1966)

Director: OP Ralhan
Stars: Meena Kumari, Dharmendra, Shashikala, OP Ralhan

This everlasting romance unites Dharam Ji with the reigning actress, Meena Kumari, onscreen.

In Phool Aur Patthar, Dharam Ji becomes Shakti Singh / Shaaka.

Due to circumstances, Shaaka is a criminal. An attempted robbery results in him finding redemption in Shanti Devi (Meena).

This film is a sobering tale of love, fear, and unending tests.

Dharam Ji and Meena Ji strike a glorious chemistry, which acts as a jewel in Phool Aur Patthar.

The movie became a game-changer for Dharam Ji’s career, establishing him as the second most-popular Bollywood star in the Soviet Union after Raj Kapoor.

A writer describes the film as “one of those rare movies that wraps some pretty deep thoughts about humanity and injustice in a very, very emotionally involving story”.

During the making of this film, Meena Ji is alleged to have fallen in love with Dharam Ji.

They appeared in several more films together, but Phool Aur Patthar is their original, purest entertainer.

Satyakam (1969)

Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Stars: Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Sanjeev Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Robi Ghosh

Satyakam sees Dharamendra join forces with his frequent collaborators – director Hrishikesh Mukherjee and actress Sharmila Tagore.

He plays Satyapriya ‘Sath’ Acharya in the film. Sath is a principled man whose grandfather guides his views.

Dreaming of building an improved India, Sath comes across Ranjana (Sharmila), who is on the verge of being sexually assaulted.

His next actions riddle Sath with guilt, and he is later overcome by a heartbreaking tragedy.

Satyakam is a gut-wrenching saga of moral dilemmas and tough choices.

Dharam Ji shows his acting chops with profound expressions, honest dialogue delivery, and without a hint of vanity.

Reminiscing about Satyakam, Dharam Ji states:

“I remember that film vividly because its theme of corruption in the country remains more relevant today than ever before.

“In a day and age when compromise is key, I feel playing an uncompromising character like Satyapriya was a privilege.

“It shows honesty can never become outdated.”

Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

Director: Ramesh Sippy
Stars: Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini

Adapted from Ram Aur Shyam (1967), starring Dilip Kumar, Seeta Aur Geeta stars Hema Malini as the titular characters.

While Seeta is timid and innocent, Geeta is free-spirited and outgoing.

Dharam Ji plays Raka, who lives around Geeta. He works as a street performer alongside her.

Through comical circumstances, Raka meets Seeta and likes her reserved and pure nature.

Her gentleness comes as a surprise to Raka, as he is under the impression that she is the vivacious Geeta.

Seeta Aur Geeta offers a refreshing spin on a beloved classic.

Although the film is a Hema Malini showcase, Dharam Ji shows his talent for all to see.

In the 1970s, Dharam Ji and Hema struck up a romance and appeared in several films, delighting fans with their magical chemistry.

Seeta Aur Geeta is not only a charming film, but it is also a spectacle for Dharmendra and Hema Malini.

Blackmail (1973)

Director: Vijay Anand
Stars: Dharmendra, Raakhee, Shatrughan Sinha

In Vijay Anand’s Blackmail, Dharam Ji portrays Kailash Gupta, the nephew of a scientist.

Everything changes when Kailash falls in love with the beautiful Asha (Raakhee).

However, all hell breaks loose when Kailash suspects that Asha is hiding something from him.

As its name suggests, this film is a unique portrayal of blackmail and mistrust in relationships and in careers.

Will Kailash ever be able to trust Asha and rekindle the love he felt so strongly for her?

The onscreen equation between Dharam Ji and Raakhee is highlighted by the chartbuster, ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas‘.

Sang in Kishore Kumar’s serene and gentile voice, the number encapsulates the deep affection Kailash has for Asha.

Amidst Vijay Sahab’s glistening filmography, Blackmail is somewhat underrated, but the romance and love depicted in the film make it one of Dharam Ji’s best movies.

Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

Director: Nasir Hussain
Stars: Dharmendra, Vijay Arora, Tariq Khan, Zeenat Aman, Neetu Singh

Nasir Hussain’s multi-generational masterpiece, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, is touted as the first Bollywood film to fit within the popular ‘masal’ genre.

The film tells the story of three brothers, separated in their childhood.

One of the brothers is Shankar, played by Dharam Ji.

He becomes a gangster but is haunted by the killing of his parents and remains determined to find his brothers.

A procession of revenge, relationships, and brotherhood, Yaadon Ki Baaraat is a rollercoaster fit for viewers.

The film also marks the first appearance of Aamir Khan on the big screen.

Aamir is Nasir Sahab’s nephew, and he features in a song as a child artist.

The title song, a duet by Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar, is sublime and melodious, giving the film a homely and authentic feel.

Do you love your Bollywood musical mashups? Watch Yaadon Ki Baaraat to find out where it all started.

Chupke Chupke (1975)

Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Stars: Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan

In another brilliant collaboration between Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Dharmendra, the latter is Prof. Parimal Tripathi / Pyare Mohan Illahabadi in this film.

Dharam Ji also stars with Amitabh Bachchan (Prof. Sukumar ‘Kumar’ Sinha), who was then a budding star.

Chupke Chupke shows the love square between the two male characters and their respective partners.

These are Sulekha Tripathi (Sharmila Tagore) and Vasudha Sinha (Jaya Bachchan).

The film narrates a serious message about relationships through a humorous lens. It is the quintessential Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

Praising the film on Medium, Harleen Kaur enthuses:

“The film might feel slow in the beginning. But if you stay with it, the light humour and simple jokes slowly make you smile.

“Personally, I have always loved how Hrishi Da had this magical way of finding comedy in everyday life.

“He captured life at its simplest.”

This simplicity shines in rib-tickling scenes and powerhouse performers. The film is a classic not to be missed.

Sholay (1975)

Director: Ramesh Sippy
Stars: Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan

Many Bollywood connoisseurs adore and celebrate Ramesh Sippy’s iconic classic, Sholay.

In one of the greatest stories ever told, Dharam Ji forms a mischievous duo as Veeru, alongside Amitabh Bachchan (Jai).

Jai and Veeru are recruited by Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) to help catch the evil dacoit, Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).

During their task, Basanti (Hema Malini) captures Veeru’s heart, paving the way for one of the most romantic pairings in Bollywood.

Dharam Ji invests his soul into Veeru’s character. The scene where Veeru is drunk atop a water tank remains evergreen.

Signature chartbusters, including the friendship anthem, ‘Yeh Dosti‘, embolden the emotion of the film.

This friendship occurred behind the scenes, too. Amitabh revealed that Dharam Ji put in a good word for him, which helped him gain the role of Jai.

Sholay has been restored multiple times and is often regarded as a textbook for viewers who are new to Bollywood.

The everlasting impact of the film would not have been possible without Dharam Ji.

Pratiggya (1975)

Director: Dulal Guha
Stars: Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Ajit, Johnny Walker

Pratiggya features Dharam Ji in a dual role as Inspector Devendra Singh and Ajit D Singh.

Ajit is an illiterate truck driver who vows revenge against the dacoit Bharat Thakur (Ajit) for killing his family.

He goes by the alias Thanedaar Inderjit Singh.

The film also projects Dharam Ji as Devendra, a strong police character who is brave and fierce.

Ajit falls in love with the pretty Radha Thakur (Hema Malini).

Despite being the niece of Bharat, Radha supports Ajit after growing to detest her uncle’s viciousness.

The love between Radha and Ajit is cemented by Mohammad Rafi’s iconic song, ‘Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana’.

One of the highest-grossing films of 1975, Pratiggya adds to Dharam Ji’s trajectory of great pictures.

This movie showcases his versatility and range like never before.

Dharam Veer (1975)

Director: Manmohan Desai
Stars: Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, Jeetendra, Neetu Singh, Pran

In Manmohan Desai’s period drama, Dharam Ji teams up with ‘jumping jack’ Jeetendra (Veer Singh).

Meanwhile, Dharmendra plays Dharam Singh, Veer’s twin brother.

Their brotherhood is unique, as shown in the charming duet, ‘Saat Ajoobe Iss Duniya Mein‘, sung by Mukesh and Mohammad Rafi.

In Dharam Veer, Dharam falls in love with Princess Pallavi (Zeenat Aman).

Despite their bond, tragic circumstances force Dharam and Veer apart, and they challenge each other to a ruthless duel.

A review of Dharam Veer on MemsaabStory, a writer notes its distinction from other Manmohan Desai films:

“Although I love Manmohan Desai films, I generally have one wee little quibble with them.

“They start so strongly and dramatically that by the end, I feel a little flat.

“But I loved the end of this one. I didn’t feel let down at all, and in fact got more engaged and invested in it as the movie went on.

“If you are like me, this historically confused epic masala film will win your heart.”

Rajput (1982)

Director: Vijay Anand
Stars: Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Ranjeeta, Tina Munim, Ranjeet

Dharam Ji once again teams up with director Vijay Anand to bring us this bashful, excellent action movie.

Rajput presents Dharam Ji among a glittering ensemble cast.

He leads the cast as Manupratap ‘Manu’ Singh, who loves Janki Singh (Hema Malini).

Familial feuds and twists of fate threaten to drive Manu and Janki apart.

Also starring legends, including Vinod Khanna and Rajesh Khanna, Rajput is a shining mosaic of talent, charisma, and authentic storytelling.

This was one of the first films Dharam Ji and Hema did after their marriage in 1980.

Their chemistry continued to enthral viewers who were rooting for their union behind the camera as well.

Rajput became the highest-grossing Indian film of 1982, signifying Dharmendra’s towering presence in the industry during this era.

Apne (2007)

Director: Anil Sharma
Stars: Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Shilpa Shetty, Katrina Kaif

This epic sports film is special in more ways than one.

It is the first film to star Dharam Ji with his real-life sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol.

In Apne, Dharam Ji plays the former heavyweight boxer, Baldev Singh Chaudhary.

He is a disgraced champion following allegations of drug use.

Meanwhile, Sunny and Bobby play Baldev’s sons, Angad and Karan, respectively.

The Deol family create a thick bond, which is alive behind the scenes as well.

Apne is a celluloid artwork, depicting sports, dreams, accusations, and rebellion.

Katrina Kaif and Shilpa Shetty also provide unmissable anchors in the film.

Dharam Ji is the backbone of Apne, boxing his way to success as a character actor.

Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011)

Director: Samir Karnik
Stars: Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Kulraj Randhawa, Anupam Kher

Continuing with the indomitable Deol trio, we come to this fantastic Bollywood depiction of authentic Punjabis.

Loud, funny, and loving, the Dhillon family are brought to life by Dharam Ji, Sunny, and Bobby.

Dharmendra plays Dharam Singh Dhillon.

He is the father of Paramveer (Sunny) and Gajodhar / Karamveer (Bobby).

Paramveer, a straight-laced NRI living in Canada, discovers that his con-man father and brother are alive and living in India.

When he tries to reunite the family, he becomes entangled in their small-time scams and in Gajodhar’s chaotic love story with a local girl whose brothers are fiercely protective.

The title song also recreates Mohammad Rafi’s chartbuster in the voice of Sonu Nigam.

Dharam Ji also contributes to the lyrics of the soundtrack, widening his scope and increasing the indelible Deol stamp on the film.

The movie was a giant success, and it spawned the sequels, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013) and Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se (2018).

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)

Director: Karan Johar
Stars: Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt

Karan Johar’s blockbuster sees Dharam Ji return to the romantic genre as a magical octogenarian.

He plays Kanwal Randhawa in the film. Due to an accident, Kanwal uses a wheelchair and suffers from memory loss.

The character has little love for his wife, Dhanlakshmi Randhawa (Jaya Bachchan), and is still in love with Jamini Chatterjee (Shabana Azmi), a woman he had an affair with decades ago.

Dharam Ji takes centre stage in a beautiful scene in which Jamini reenters Kanwal’s life.

Regaining his memory, Kanwal stuns his family by rising from his wheelchair.

The pair sing ‘Abhi Na Jaao Na Chod Kar‘, a renewed version of Dev Anand’s classic song from Hum Dono (1961).

Dharam Ji, though in a limited role, leaves an indefatigable shine on the film, sharing a romantic kiss with Shabana.

This unabashedly shows that age is not an obstacle when it comes to love.

Dharam Ji was rightfully praised by all for his performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024)

Directors: Amit Joshi, Aradhana Sah
Stars: Dharmendra, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon

Continuing with Dharam Ji’s memorable character roles, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya presents the actor as Jai Singh Agnihotri.

He is the grandfather of the protagonist Aryan Agnihotri (Shahid Kapoor).

Jai is a supportive figure in the family, encouraging Aryan to follow his heart, and brings warmth, wisdom and a touch of comic relief to the story.

He provides tenderness and grace in an otherwise pulse-racing narrative, laden with science and technology.

Shedding light on his experience working with Dharam Ji, Shahid says:

“To share screen space with him is an honour. He is very loving and charismatic.

“Whenever he meets you, there’s love in his hug.

“I just want his blessings. I have many scenes with him in the film.”

Each of these scenes carries a heartfelt and trustworthy equation, highlighting Dharam Ji’s charisma and charm that impressed Shahid.

Dharmendra is a bona fide legend of Bollywood.

From his career beginnings in the 1960s to his powerful character portrayals in the 2020s, his talent remains intact.

He is one of the few Indian male actors with such a lengthy career span, never facing dull moments or missing the love of the audience.

As the He-Man, the gregarious Punjabi, and the romantic icon of Bollywood, Dharmendra’s legacy will last until the end of time.

He will continue to entice the audience for years to come.