Legendary actor Dharmendra may be best remembered as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood for his bulky physique and action man persona, but he began his film journey as a soft romantic star.
In fact, during the early years of his career, in the 60s and early 70s, he was widely considered to be one of the most good-looking men in the industry. The claim was bolstered by international media, which bestowed the title of ‘the most handsome man in the world’ upon him.
When Dharmendra was called the world’s most handsome man
Dharmendra began his career by starring in a slew of romantic and drama-oriented films, such as Anupama (1969), Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966), Kaajal (1965), and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), which cemented his status as a romantic actor. His pairing with Meena Kumari was particularly well-loved.
By the 70s, Dharmendra had finally found his footing in the industry and established himself as a leading man. Consequently, he was profiled by numerous film magazines, both in India and abroad. In the 70s, international publications listed him among the top 10 and top 5 most handsome men in the world, with a few magazines even placing him at the top.
Dharmendra himself recalled being compared to Hollywood heartthrobs of the time, like James Dean and Paul Newman.
In an old interview with Lehren Retro, he recalled, “Some people compared me to a Hollywood star, but maine uski picture hi nahin dekhi thi (I had never seen his films). I went and watched his film, then, and then I thought maybe from the side, I do look like him a little. Mujhe khud bhi lagne laga (I myself started feeling like that).”
Dharmendra passes away
Veteran actor Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved and enduring icons, passed away on Monday, November 24. He was 89. He was cremated at the Pavan Hans Crematorium later in the day.
Several Bollywood actors, including Manoj Bajpayee, Kiara Advani, and Kareena Kapoor, among others, paid tribute to him on social media.
The actor had been battling ill health for a few weeks. Reports of his hospitalisation first surfaced late last month, leaving fans worried. Despite some reports claiming he had died on November 10, his family denied the news. Sources close to the actor assured there was no cause for worry. Dharmendra was soon discharged from the hospital and was being treated at his home in Juhu.
He is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, and his daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
