Dharam Singh Deol born 8 December 1935 in Phagwara, Punjab, better known as Dharmendra, is a legendary Indian Bollywood film star.

Early life
He belongs to a Jat Sikh farmer family of Punjab. He is the son of Kewal Kishen Singh Deol and Satwant Kaur. At the peak of his film career he was considered a matinée idol. Currently he is a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India. He is considered as the biggest Bollywood superstar after Amitabh Bachchan due to the fact that in Bollywood's box-office's career gross, he is second only to Amitabh Bachchan . He represents the Bikaner constituency of Rajasthan and is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) political party. He was recently awarded the Lifetime achievement award for his contribution to Hindi cinema.

He rose to fame as an Indian actor who appeared in more than 200 Hindi films since the early 1960s. He married Prakash Deol and later actress Hema Malini. He is the father of actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol from Prakash Kaur Deol and father of actress Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from Hema Malini. His brother Ajit Singh Deol is a former director. He is the uncle of actor Abhay Deol, who is the son of his younger brother Ajit Deol. His father was Kewal Kishen Singh Deol, a school headmaster in Punjab. .


Career
Dharmendra Deol is the most successful filmstar of Bollywood along with Amitabh Bachchan. His full Name is Dharam Singh Deol. He has starred in a large number of hit films in Bollywood and is considered a living legend. Dharmendra was first noticed in a Filmfare spot-the-talent contest and came to Mumbai to become an actor. He was signed by Arjun Hingorani for the film Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere (1960).

At the start of his career he was usually cast as a romantic hero. He starred with several big leading ladies at the beginning of his career. With Nutan in Soorat aur Seerat-1962 and Bandini-1963, Mala Sinha in Anpadh-1962 and Pooja Ke Phool-1964, Saira Banu in Shaadi-1962 and Aayi Milan Ki Bela-1964 and one of the most influential persons with whom he was associated, Meena Kumari in Main Bhi Ladki Hoon-1964, Kaajal-1965, Poornima-1965 and Phool Aur Paththar-1966 etc.

His most successful pairing was with Hema Malini with whom he has acted in as many as 27 movies. Most of these movies were hits which in turn propelled producers to cast them in romantic films in the 70s. This despite the fact that it was the era of Amitabh Bachchan who starred in action movies.

His first major hit film was Phool Aur Paththar. Dharmendra starred in many comedy films, most notably Chupke Chupke, a masterpiece from Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Before Chupke Chupke Dharmendra had worked in Satyakam with Hrishikesh Mukherjee. As action movies became more popular, he took on action hero roles throughout the 1970s. Perhaps the most memorable of these was his role in the 1975 blockbuster film Sholay, where he was teamed with Amitabh Bachchan. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s he continued to appear in many more films playing leading roles or supporting roles. Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, no other actor in Hindi Cinema can claim to be equally good in comedy and action.

Dharmendra also has the distinction of being the actor with the most number of hits in Bollywood. He has acted in over 50 films which have gone on to be golden jubilee hits. In addition, he also has acted with the directors who varied with different styles in their film-making. Below given is a list of noted directors under categories with whom he has worked.

Drama: Bimal Roy, Mohan Kumar

Romance: Yash Chopra, Raghunath Jhalani

Action: Raj Khosla, Ramesh Sippy, Arjun Hingorani, Anil Sharma, Rajkumar Santoshi(as Producer - Ghayal(1990), Barsaat(1995))

Comedy: Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterji, Rajkumar Kohli

He also has the distinction of appearing in quite a few films opposite leading ladies who starred opposite his son Sunny Deol. Notable amongst those are Sridevi (Naaka Bandi), Jaya Prada (Elaan-E-Jung), Dimple Kapadia (Shehzaade), Amrita Singh (Sachai Ki Taaqat), Kimi Katkar (Humlaa) and Poonam Dhillon (Sone Pe Suhaaga). No other father-son duo would have worked with so many leading ladies in the Indian film industry.

At the peak of his career, he was voted amongst the ten most handsome men in the world. He was also known for his exercising, which gave him a physique his contemporaries could only dream of. In fact, after Phool Aur Paththar was declared a hit, he established himself as the 'He-Man' of the Hindi film industry. He is considered as an inspiration to the macho men of today Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. In one of her recent interviews, Priety Zinta has been quoted as saying that he is her favourite actor. She has gone on to recommend him to play her father's role in Har Pall(2008).

He has also experimented with film production; he launched both of his sons in films: Sunny Deol in Betaab (1983) and Bobby Deol in Barsaat (1995) as well as his nephew Abhay Deol in Socha Na Tha (2005).

After a few years hiatus from acting since the early 2000s, he is reappearing in films as a character actor. His 2007 films Metro and Apne were both successful at the box office. In the latter, he appears with both his sons, Sunny and Bobby for the first time. His other recent release was Johnny Gaddaar, where he played a villainous role.

He has also periodically done films in his native tongue of Punjabi, starring in Do Sher (1974), Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (1974), Teri Meri Ik Jindri (1975), Putt Jattan De (1982) and Qurbani Jatt Di (1990).


Personal life
Dharmendra married twice and has maintained both his wives. His first marriage was to Prakash Kaur at the age of 19 in 1954. His second marriage was to the Bollywood actress Hema Malini. They are said to have fallen in love on the sets of Sholay (1975) although they have made many films together before and after Sholay. From his first marriage he has one daughter who is settled in California and two sons who are also successful actors: Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. From his second wife Hema Malini, he has two daughters who are also actresses: Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. His nephew Abhay Deol is also an actor. Dharmendra has gone on record saying he did not believe the Mumbai film industry was a place suitable for girls. He was unperturbed by his sons Sunny and Bobby joining the industry, he was vocal about his displeasure regarding his daughter Esha's choice of profession. It is rumoured that he converted to Islam in order to legitimize his second marriage.

He has recently become active in politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in the 2004 general elections, from Bikaner in Rajasthan, on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket. During his election campaign, he made an ironic remark that he should be elected Dictator Perpetuus to teach "basic etiquette that democracy requires" for which he was severely criticized.


Awards and recognitions
In 1997, Dharmendra won a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian Cinema over many years. While receiving the award from Dilip Kumar and his wife, Dharmendra grew emotional and remarked that he never received any Filmfare award in the "Best Actor" category despite having worked in so many successful films -- nearly a hundred popular movies. He was glad that his contributions had finally been recognized. Speaking on the occasion Dilip Kumar commenting on the legendary handsome facial features of Dharmendra had said,"Whenever I get to meet with God Almighty I will set before him my only complaint-why did You not make me as handsome as Dharmendra?"
He has acted as a leading man in over 250 movies which is second only to Jeetendra
From 1969 to 1971, he starred in several hits like Aadmi Aur Insaan,Pyar Hi Pyar, Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Yakeen, Kab Kyon Aur Kahan, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Jeevan Mrityu, Sharafat, Naya Zamana and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. These movies helped him in sustaining his foothold in the industry.
In the mid seventies, he was voted as one of the most handsome men in the world, a feat only repeated by Salman Khan (from Bollywood) in 1997.
He is a recipient of the prestigious Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Indian entertainment industry.
In 2003, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Awards
In 2004, he was honoured for Best Contribution to Indian Cinema.
In 2005, Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement
In 2007, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF).
In 2007, IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement award by DBR Entertainment.
The Punjabi newspaper Quami Ekta honoured him for his contributions to the Indian cinema.
In 2008, "Actor Par Excellence" at the Max Stardust Awards
In 2008, Lifetime Achievement Award at the the 10th Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image International Film (M.A.M.I)

Filmography
1960s
Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960)
Shola Aur Shabnam (1961)
Boy Friend (1961) .... Sunil
Soorat Aur Seerat (1962)
Shaadi (1962)
Anpadh (1962)
Begaana (1963)
Bandini (1963) (as Dharminder) .... Devendra (Prison Doctor)
Pooja Ke Phool (1964) .... Balraj 'Raj'
Mera Qasoor Kya Hai (1964)
Main Bhi Ladki Hoon (1964)
Haqeeqat (1964) .... Captain Bahadur Singh
Ganga Ki Lahren (1964)
Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964) (as Dharminder) .... Ranjit
Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964) .... Chandramohan Chopra alias Channi
Purnima (1965)
Neela Aakash (1965) .... Akash
Kaajal (1965) .... Rajesh
Chand Aur Suraj (1965)
Akashdeep (1965)
Phool Aur Patthar (1966) .... Shakti Singh/Shaaka
Mohabbat Zindagi Hai (1966) .... Amar
Mamta (1966) .... Barrister Indraneel
Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966)
Devar (1966)
Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966) .... Jitendra Gupta
Anupama (1966) .... Ashok
Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966) .... Ravi/Prakash
Majhli Didi (1967) .... Bipin
Jab Yaad Kisi Ki Aati Hai (1967)
Ghar Ka Chirag (1967)
Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1967) .... Ashok
Chandan Ka Palna (1967) .... Ajit
Shikar (1968) .... Ajay
Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) .... Sunil
Izzat (1968)
Baharon Ki Manzil (1968)
Baazi (1968)
Aankhen (1968) .... Sunil
Yakeen (1969) .... Rajesh/Garcon
Satyakam (1969) .... Satyapriya Acharya (Sat)
Pyar Hi Pyar (1969) .... Vijay Pratap
Khamoshi (1969) .... Mr. Dev (Patient #24) (Guest Appearance)
Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969)
Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969) .... Munish Mehra
1970s
Tum Haseen Main Jawaan (1970) .... Sunil
Sharafat (1970) .... Rajesh
Mera Naam Joker (1970) .... Mahender
Man Ki Aankhen (1970) .... Rajesh Agarwal
Kankan De Ole (1970) .... Banta Singh
Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan? (1970) .... CID Inspector Anand
Jeevan Mrityu (1970) .... Ashok Tandon/Bikram Singh
Ishq Par Zor Nahin (1970)
Rakhwala (1971)
Naya Zamana (1971) .... Anoop
Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) .... Ajit
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) .... Raka
Samadhi (1972) .... Lakhan Singh/Ajay
Raja Jani (1972) .... Rajkumar Singh
Lalkaar (1972) .... Major Ram Kapoor
Do Chor (1972) .... Tony
Anokha Milan (1972) .... Ghanshyam "Ghana"
Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) .... Shankar
Phagun (1973)
Keemat (1973) .... Mr. Gopal (Agent 116)
Kahani Kismat Ki (1973) .... Ajit Sharma
Jugnu (1973) .... Ashok/Jugnu
Black Mail (1973/I) .... Kailash Gupta
Loafer (1973) .... Ranjit
Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973) .... Sameer Rai
Jwar Bhata (1973)
Resham Ki Dori (1974)
Pocketmaar (1974)
Patthar Aur Payal (1974) .... Ranjeet Singh
Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (1974)
Do Sher (1974)
Dost (1974) .... Maanav
International Crook (1974) .... Shekar
Teri Meri Ik Jindri (1975)
Saazish (1975)
Pratigya (1975) .... Ajit Singh
Kahte Hain Mujhko Raja (1975)
Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka (1975)
Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty (1975) .... Madman
Chupke Chupke (1975) .... Dr. Parimal Tripathi/Pyare Mohan
Chaitali (1975)
Apne Dushman (1975) .... Brijesh
Sholay (1975) .... Veeru
Santo Banto (1976)
Main Papi Tum Bakhshanhaar (1976)
Maa (1976) .... Vijay
Giddha (1976)
Charas (1976) .... Suraj Kumar
Tinku (1977)
Swami (1977)
Mit Jayenge Mitane Wale (1977)
Kinara (1977)
Khel Khiladi Ka (1977) .... Shaki Lutera/Raja Saab/Ajit
Dream Girl (1977) .... Anupam Verma
Do Sholay (1977)
Do Chehere (1977) .... Kanwar Pran (Drunkard)/C.I.D. S.P. Shukla
Dharam Veer (1977) .... Dharam Singh
Charandas (1977)
Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977)
Chacha Bhatija (1977) .... Shanker
Shalimar / Raiders of Shalimar (1978) .... S.S. Kumar
Phandebaaz (1978)
Dillagi (1978)
Azaad (1978) .... Ashok (Azaad)
Dil Ka Heera (1979)
Kartavya (1979)
1980s
Ram Balram (1980) .... Ram/Bholuram
The Burning Train (1980) .... Ashok
Chunaoti (1980)
Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980) .... Ali-Baba
Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980) .... Soldier (Guest Appearance)
Putt Jattan De (1981) .... Chaudhary Dharam Singh
Professor Pyarelal (1981) .... Ram/Professor Pyarelal
Krodhi (1981) .... Vikramjit Singh/Acharya Shradhanand (Vicky)
Katilon Ke Kaatil (1981) .... Ajit/Badshah
Aas Paas (1981) .... Arun Choudhury
Teesri Aankh (1982)
Tahalka (1982)
Samraat (1982)
Main Intequam Loonga (1982) .... Kumar Agnihotri 'Bitto'
Ghazab (1982) .... Ajay Singh 'Munna'
Do Dishayen (1982)
Baghawat (1982)
Badle Ki Aag (1982) .... Sher Singh 'Shera'
Rajput (1982) .... Manu Pratap Singh
Meharbaani (1982)
Razia Sultan (Movie) (1983) .... Yakut Jamaluddin
Naukar Biwi Ka (1983) .... Deepak Kumar/Raja
Jaani Dost (1983)
Andha Kanoon (1983) .... Truck Driver (Guest Appearance)
Qayamat (1983)
Sunny (1984) .... Inderjeet
Ranjhan Mera Yaar (1984)
Raaj Tilak (1984) .... Zohravar Singh
Jeene Nahi Doonga (1984)
Jagir (1984) .... Shankar
The Gold Medal (1984)
Dharam Aur Kanoon (1984) .... Rahim Khan
Baazi (1984) .... Ajay
Insaaf Kaun Karega (1984)
Jhootha Sach (1984)
Karishma Kudrat Kaa (1985) .... Vijay/Karan
Ghulami (1985) .... Ranjit Singh
Sitamgar (1985)
Saveray Wali Gaadi (1986)
Mohabbat Ki Kasam (1986) .... Shop-owner
Main Balwan (1986) .... Inspector Chowdhury
Sultanat (1986) .... General Khalid
Watan Ke Rakhwale (1987)
Mera Karam Mera Dharam (1987) .... Ajay Shankar Sharma
Mard Ki Zabaan (1987)
Insaaf Ki Pukar (1987)
Dadagiri (1987) .... Dharma (Dada)
Aag Hi Aag (1987) .... Sher Singh
Insaniyat Ke Dushman (1987) .... Insp. Shekhar Kapoor
Loha (1987)
Hukumat (1987) .... Arjun Singh
Jaan Hatheli Pe (1987) .... Soni
Zalzala (1988) .... Inspector Shiv Kumar
Soorma Bhopali (1988)
Sone Pe Suhaaga (1988) .... Vikram/CBI Officer Ashwini Kumar
Saazish (1988)
Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988) .... Balwant
Mardon Wali Baat (1988) .... Yadvinder Singh
Mahaveera (1988) .... Ajay Verma
Paap Ko Jalaa Kar Raakh Kar Doonga (1988) .... Shankar
Ganga Tere Desh Mein (1988) .... Cobra/Vijay Nath
Sachai Ki Taqat (1989) .... Havaldar Ram Singh
Nafrat Ki Aandhi (1989) .... Sonu
Hathyar (1989) .... Khushal Khan
Kasam Suhaag Ki (1989)
Ilaaka (1989) .... Inspector Dharam Verma
Batwara (1989) .... Sumer Singh
Elaan-E-Jung (1989)
Sikka (1989) .... Vijay
Shehzaade (1989) .... Subedhar Zorawar Singh/Inspector Shankar Shrivastav
1990s
Veeru Dada (1990) .... Veeru Dada
Vardi (1990) .... Havaldar Bhagwan Singh
Qurbani Jatt Di (1990)
Pyaar Ka Karz (1990)
Nakabandi (1990)
Humse Na Takrana (1990)
Trinetra (1991) .... Raja
Mast Kalandar (1991)
Kohraam (1991)
Hag Toofan (1991)
Farishtay (1991) .... Veeru
Paap Ki Aandhi (1991) .... Dharma/Mangal
Dushman Devta (1991) .... Shiva
Zulm Ki Hukumat (1992) .... Pitamber Kohli
Waqt Ka Badshah (1992)
Virodhi (1992) .... Inspector Shekhar
Tehelka (1992)
Khule-Aam (1992) .... Shiva
Humlaa (1992) .... Bhawani
Kal Ki Awaz (1992)
Dushman Zamana (1992)
Kundan (1993)
Kshatriya (1993) .... Maharaj Prthivi Singh (Surjangarh)
Maha Shaktishaali (1994)
Jodh Juaari (1994)
Policewala Gunda (1995)
Maidan-E-Jung (1995) .... Shankar
Aazmayish (1995) .... Shanker Singh Rathod
Taaqat (1995) .... Shakti Singh
Hum Sab Chor Hain (1995)
Smuggler (1996)
Return of Jewel Thief (1996) .... Police Commissioner Surya Dev Singh
Himmatvar (1996) .... Sultan
Aatank (1996) .... Jesu
Mafia (1996) .... Fauji Ajit Singh
Loha (1997) .... Shankar
Gundagardi (1997)
Dharma Karma (1997) .... Dharma
Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998) .... Thakur Ajay Singh (Chacha)
Zulm O Situm (1998) .... SP. Arun
Nyaydaata (1999) .... DCP Ram
2000s
Sultaan (2000)
Meri Jung Ka Elaan (2000) .... Ajit Singh
Jallad No. 1 (2000) .... Shankar
Bhai Thakur (2000)
Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai (2003)
Hum Kaun Hai? (2004) .... Virendra 'Viru' (Guest Appearance)
Kis Kis Ki Kismat (2004) .... Hasmukh Mehta
Metro (2007) .... Amol
Apne (2007) - Baldev Singh Chaudhary
Johnny Gaddaar (2007) - Sheshadri
Om Shanti Om 2007.... Himself in Song Deewangi Deewangi
Har Pall (2008)
Mr Natwarlal 2 (2008)