Dharmendra's Dazzling Decades: Top 10 Films Showcasing the Actor's Versatility
Image Source: Internet
New Delhi - Dharmendra's illustrious career spanning over 300 films has cemented his status as a true Bollywood icon. With his effortless ability to transition between intense, nuanced performances and larger-than-life action heroes, he has embodied a wide range of roles, defying conventions in an era where stars often struggled to break free from their assigned images. Here are the top 10 films that highlight Dharmendra's remarkable journey: 1. **Sholay (1975)**: This epic classic celebrates its golden jubilee, solidifying its place in Dharmendra's filmography alongside co-star Amitabh Bachchan. Their on-screen bromance, particularly in the iconic dialogue 'Basanti! inn kutton ke saamne mat naachna', remains unforgettable. 2. **Chupke Chupke (1975)**: Dharmendra showcased his versatility in this 1975 release, playing the lovable botany professor Parimal Tripathi, who falls in love with Sharmila Tagore's Sulekha. The film, directed by Ramesh Sippy, features Dharmendra's most endearing performance. 3. **Anupama (1966)**: Dharmendra's early collaboration with director Hrishikesh Mukherjee marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership. In this 1966 film, he played the sensitive young writer Ashok, who helps Sharmila Tagore's Uma come out of her shell. 4. **Satyakam (1969)**: Based on Narayan Sanyal's Bengali novel, this Hrishikesh Mukherjee-directed drama is considered one of Dharmendra's finest roles. The film explores themes of integrity and idealism, winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. 5. **Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)**: This comedy-drama, directed by Ramesh Sippy, solidified the on-screen chemistry between Dharmendra and Hema Malini. In this film, Dharmendra played the role of Raka, Seeta's love interest, and the couple's subsequent pairing in multiple films became a fan favorite. 6. **Yaadon Ki Barat (1973)**: This Nasir Hussain-directed masala film introduced the 'lost brother' trope and became a commercial hit. Dharmendra played the elder brother, who reunites with his siblings years later and exacts revenge from the man responsible for their parents' murder. 7. **Pratigya (1975)**: Dharmendra's production, Pratigya, was a commercial success, featuring the actor in the lead role of Ajit, a protagonist seeking revenge for his parents' brutal murder. The film's slapstick comedy and memorable song 'Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana' remain iconic. 8. **Dharam Veer (1977)**: In this film, Dharmendra and Jeetendra played two lost twins, unaware of their relationship, who become best friends. The film features the popular song 'Saat Ajoobe iss duniya mein' and was a hit. 9. **Yamla Pagla Deewana/Apne (2007/2011)**: Dharmendra's production house, Vijayta Films, produced these two films featuring the Deol family, including Dharmendra and his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. While 'Apne' explored the family's emotional bond, 'Yamla Pagla Deewana' was a hilarious roller coaster ride, followed by a sequel in 2013. 10. **Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)**: In this Karan Johar-directed National award-winning film, Dharmendra portrayed the family's Alzheimer's-stricken grandfather, sharing tender moments with his grandson Rocky. His lost love for Rani's grandmother Jamini forms the foundation for Rocky and Rani's relationship. Dharmendra's remarkable journey, marked by his versatility and dedication to his craft, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
