Bollywood He-Man Dharmendra Vows to Work Until His Final Days According to HT Archive
On November 24, the film industry mourned the loss of Bollywood legend Dharmendra, famously known as the He-Man of Indian cinema. Just a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday on December 8, he passed away at the age of 89 after being hospitalized.
Dharmendra’s Career and Beliefs
During his illustrious career, Dharmendra defied the odds and redefined longevity in the film industry. In a significant interview from 1983, he expressed a desire to continue working as long as possible. Even when facing a perceived decline in his career, he confidently stated, “As an actor, I believe in dying with my boots on.”
At that time, Dharmendra was transitioning in his personal life; he had been married to Hema Malini since 1980 while also being married to Prakash Kaur since 1954. Despite a decrease in his workload, he considered this choice deliberate and was grateful for the opportunities that continued to come his way.
Impressive Filmography
Dharmendra debuted in 1960 with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. His rise to fame began in the mid-1960s with successful films like:
- Ayee Milan Ki Bela
- Phool Aur Patthar
- Aaye Din Bahar Ke
He dominated the box office from the 1960s through the 1980s, starring in iconic films such as:
- Ankhen
- Shikar
- Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke
- Jeevan Mrityu
- Mera Gaon Mera Desh
- Seeta Aur Geeta
- Raja Jani
Legacy Continues
In line with his passion for cinema, Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, is set for release on December 25. The film features Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, along with Jaideep Ahlawat. His dedication to his craft allowed him to truly pass away with his boots on, leaving behind a rich legacy in Bollywood.
