Dharam Singh Deol: The Life, Career & Fortune of Bollywood Icon
Early Life and Education
Dharam Singh Deol, born on December 8, 1935, grew up in Sahnewal, a village near Ludhiana in Punjab. He was the youngest of four children and was raised by his parents, Kewal Kishan Singh Deol and Satwant Kaur. Dharam Singh Deol's family had a longstanding tradition of military service, and his father was an officer in the Indian Army.
Despite his family's military background, Dharam Singh Deol did not pursue a career in the armed forces. Instead, he chose to pursue his passion for acting and made his way to Mumbai in the early 1950s. He began his career in Bollywood as an assistant director before making his debut as an actor in the film "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" in 1960.
Dharam Singh Deol's formal education was limited, as he left school at a young age to work in his family's farming business. However, he was known to be a voracious reader and self-educated himself through books on literature, philosophy, and history. Additionally, he was fluent in several languages including Hindi, Punjabi, and English.
Career and Achievements
Early Career
Dharam Singh Deol, also known as Dharmendra, started his career in Bollywood with the movie "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" in 1960. However, it was his movie "Phool Aur Patthar" in 1966 that brought him widespread recognition. He played the role of a former convict who tries to start a new life, and his performance was highly appreciated by the audience and critics alike. This movie marked the beginning of Dharmendra's journey to superstardom.
Success as Leading Actor
In the 1960s and 1970s, Dharmendra became one of the most successful and popular actors in Bollywood. He starred in numerous hit movies such as "Mera Gaon Mera Desh", "Sholay", and "Chupke Chupke". He was also known for his roles in action movies such as "Dharam Veer" and "Naseeb". Dharmendra's good looks, charm, and acting skills made him a favorite among audiences and earned him a huge fan following.
Honors and Awards
Dharmendra has won several awards throughout his career, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian awards in India, in 2012 for his contributions to Indian cinema. In addition to acting, Dharmendra has also produced several movies, including the critically acclaimed "Ghayal".
Legacy
Dharmendra's contributions to Indian cinema have been immense, and he continues to be an inspiration to many. He has influenced several generations of actors and his movies continue to entertain audiences even today. Dharmendra's charm, talent, and dedication to his craft have earned him a place in the pantheon of Bollywood legends.
Personal Life and Family
Dharam Singh Deol, popularly known as Dharmendra, was born on December 8, 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab, India. He belongs to a Jatt Sikh family with an agricultural background.
Dharmendra tied the knot with Prakash Kaur in 1954 and the couple has four children - Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeeta Deol, and Ajeeta Deol. However, in 1979, he married actress Hema Malini and has two daughters with her - Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Despite his busy career in Bollywood, Dharmendra has always maintained strong family values and has remained grounded by his roots. He attributes his success to the support and encouragement of his family and expresses immense gratitude towards them.
- Prakash Kaur: Dharmendra's first wife is a reclusive figure and lives a private life.
- Hema Malini: A noted actress herself, Hema Malini and Dharmendra fell in love during the filming of Sholay (1975). The couple got married in 1979 and have remained inseparable ever since.
- Sunny Deol: The elder son of Dharmendra, Sunny Deol is a prominent actor in Bollywood and known for his roles in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Border.
- Bobby Deol: The second son of Dharmendra, Bobby Deol has acted in numerous Bollywood films such as Soldier and Gupt.
- Esha Deol: The elder daughter of Dharmendra and Hema Malini, Esha Deol is a successful actress in Bollywood and has acted in films like Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche and Dhoom.
- Ahana Deol: The younger daughter of Dharmendra and Hema Malini, Ahana Deol is a trained Odissi dancer and has also worked as an assistant director.
Net Worth and Legacy
Dharam Singh Deol, better known as Dharmendra, has had a long and successful career in Bollywood. Over the years, he has starred in many blockbuster films and has become an icon of Hindi cinema. In addition, he has also been a successful producer and businessman.
As of 2021, Dharmendra's net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. He has earned this fortune through his acting career, production ventures, business ventures, and endorsement deals. He is considered one of the wealthiest actors in the Indian film industry.
Dharmendra's legacy in Bollywood is also noteworthy. Over the years, he has starred in many iconic films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. He has also received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian cinema, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition, Dharmendra has been a source of inspiration for many young actors in the industry. His charisma, talent, and dedication have left a lasting impact on Bollywood, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.
- Dharmendra's net worth: $70 million
- Dharmendra's legacy: Iconic films, awards, and inspiration for young actors
FAQ
Who is Dharmendra and what is his contribution to Bollywood?
Dharmendra Singh Deol is a legendary Bollywood actor who has appeared in over 300 films. He is known for his iconic roles in movies like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Yaadon Ki Baarat. Dharmendra has also produced several films and won numerous awards for his contributions to Indian cinema.
What was Dharmendra's early life like?
Dharmendra was born in a Punjabi Jat family in the town of Sahnewal in Punjab, India. He was the second of four children and grew up on his family's farm. Dharmendra was a talented athlete and won several awards in track and field events during his youth. He later moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting.
What is Dharmendra's net worth?
As of 2021, Dharmendra's net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. He has earned his wealth through his acting career, film production ventures, and various business investments.
Did Dharmendra face any struggles in his career?
Yes, Dharmendra faced several struggles in his career. Despite being a talented actor, he was initially rejected by filmmakers due to his unconventional looks and accent. However, Dharmendra persisted and eventually became a highly sought-after actor in the industry. He also faced personal struggles, such as his marriage to actress Hema Malini, which was initially met with opposition from his first wife and other family members.
What are some of Dharmendra's most memorable performances?
Dharmendra has given many memorable performances throughout his career, but some of his most iconic roles include Veeru in Sholay, Professor Parimal Tripathi in Chupke Chupke, and Shyam in Phool Aur Patthar. He has also delivered powerful performances in films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Anupama, and Satyakam.
