Dharmendra: Bollywood's Unsung Superstar Who Defied Convention
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Dharmendra, the veteran Bollywood actor, left an indelible mark on the industry with a career spanning 64 years. Despite delivering an impressive 75 hits, more than any other Hindi film actor in the lead role, Dharmendra was never labelled a superstar. The reason behind this anomaly lies in his prolific output and the nature of his films. Dharmendra's journey began in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, and he quickly rose to prominence with hits like Haqeeqat, Phool Aur Patthar, and Anupama. He continued to excel in the 1970s with films like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Dharam Veer. However, unlike his contemporaries, Dharmendra's big hits were often ensemble films, and he rarely received solo credit. In the 1980s, Dharmendra shifted to action films, which, although successful, were smaller in scale compared to Amitabh Bachchan's films. His decision to star in low-budget actioners led to a staggering 150 flops, the second-most for any Bollywood star. This inconsistent success rate meant that Dharmendra was never regarded as a superstar. Despite this, Dharmendra remained unapologetic about his choices, stating in an interview, "I love films a lot. I go on signing them at the very opportunity." He continued to work in a wide range of films, often taking on senior roles in the late 1990s. His sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, have followed in his footsteps, and Dharmendra has appeared alongside them in films like Yamla Pagla Deewana and Apne. Dharmendra's legacy extends beyond his filmography. He has inspired a generation of actors and remains a beloved figure in Indian cinema. As he prepares to appear in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, his dedication to his craft is a testament to his enduring spirit. Dharmendra may not have been crowned a superstar, but his impact on Bollywood is undeniable.
