Dharmendra, an actor who rose to superstardom in Bollywood, is celebrated not just for his remarkable roles but for his timeless presence in the industry. His journey, from a young man with dreams to a legendary figure, spans over six decades. Over the course of his illustrious career, Dharmendra has delivered countless memorable performances, cementing his position as one of the most iconic stars in Indian cinema. Today, as he continues to age gracefully, Dharmendra age is a subject of awe and admiration for his fans. Despite being in his late 80s, he has remained a symbol of vitality and resilience. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Dharmendra age, his career, family, legacy, net worth, and more fascinating details that make him an integral part of Bollywood’s golden era.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Dharmendra’s Early Life
- Dharmendra Age: How Old Is He Now?
- The Career of Dharmendra
- Dharmendra’s Personal Life and Family
- 4.1 His Marriage to Hema Malini
- 4.2 The Deol Family: Sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol
- Dharmendra’s Net Worth and Earnings
- Legacy and Influence of Dharmendra in Bollywood
- A Look at Dharmendra’s Iconic Roles
- Dharmendra Age and His Continuing Legacy
- Conclusion
Introduction: Dharmendra’s Early Life
Born as Dharmendra Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, a small village near Ludhiana, Punjab, Dharmendra’s age places him among the senior-most actors in Bollywood today. His story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. Growing up in a farming family, he did not have the luxuries associated with modern-day film stars. He was the son of a school teacher, and from an early age, Dharmendra exhibited a strong will to succeed.
His aspirations led him to Bombay (now Mumbai), where he initially struggled to make a name for himself. In 1957, Dharmendra moved to the city, enrolled in acting classes, and soon began auditioning for films. His early roles were small, but his innate charm and screen presence made him stand out. It wasn’t long before he was offered bigger roles. Dharmendra’s ability to balance both action and romantic roles is one of the reasons why his career has spanned over 60 years.
Dharmendra Age: How Old Is He Now?
As of 2025, Dharmendra’s age is 89 years old. His journey from a struggling actor to one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema is awe-inspiring. He began his career in the 1960s, appearing in a variety of genres, including romance, action, and drama, making him one of the most versatile stars of his generation. Despite his age, Dharmendra continues to remain active, appearing in films and making public appearances.
While many actors of his generation have slowed down, Dharmendra’s physicality and charismatic personality have allowed him to maintain an active presence, whether through films or public engagements. In fact, his age has only enhanced his legacy, with audiences viewing him as a symbol of strength and endurance in the entertainment industry.
He has occasionally made appearances on social media, where his loyal fans celebrate his long-standing contributions to Indian cinema. It is remarkable that Dharmendra’s age hasn’t hindered his ability to remain relevant to both older and younger generations, which is a testament to his timeless appeal.
The Career of Dharmendra
Dharmendra’s career spans over six decades and covers a broad spectrum of genres and roles. He debuted in 1960 with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. However, it was his role in Rakhwala (1971) that marked his rise to stardom. Known for his tough and dashing persona, Dharmendra soon became known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood.
But it was in the 1970s with iconic films such as Sholay (1975) that Dharmendra cemented his place in Bollywood history. In Sholay, Dharmendra played Veeru, one of the two bandits who are enlisted to catch the ruthless villain Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan. This role, along with his incredible on-screen chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan, remains one of the most legendary partnerships in Indian cinema. Sholay became a milestone in Bollywood, with Dharmendra’s portrayal of a lovable but fearless character standing out.
Over the years, Dharmendra’s career flourished. He became known for his action roles as well as his romantic portrayals in films like Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Rakhwala (1971), The Burning Train (1980), and Rajput (1982). His transition into comedy in films such as Chupke Chupke (1975) and Rakhwala further displayed his versatility. This ability to balance tough action with lighthearted comedy and romance helped keep his career enduring for years.
Dharmendra’s Personal Life and Family
His Marriage to Hema Malini
While his career skyrocketed, Dharmendra’s personal life also garnered attention. In 1980, Dharmendra married the legendary actress Hema Malini, a prominent figure in the world of Indian cinema. Hema Malini was already a star when she met Dharmendra, and their on-screen chemistry in films like Rakhwala and Seeta Aur Geeta made them one of the most adored couples in Bollywood.
Their marriage, which lasted over four decades, is still a source of inspiration for many. Hema Malini, known for her beauty, grace, and acting talent, is also a renowned dancer and a prominent figure in Indian politics. She has served as a Member of Parliament in the Indian government.
Despite the constant media scrutiny, the couple has maintained a private, strong relationship and is often seen together at events, sharing a harmonious bond that has lasted through the years. Their partnership is a perfect example of how love can endure in the world of glitz and glamour.
The Deol Family: Sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol
Dharmendra’s family plays an important role in his life and legacy. He has two sons: Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both of whom have followed in his footsteps and built successful careers in Bollywood.
- Sunny Deol: Sunny is Dharmendra’s elder son and has carved a niche for himself as one of Bollywood’s leading action stars. He made his debut in 1983 with the film Betaab, which was a major hit. Over the years, Sunny’s reputation grew, especially after starring in films like Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993), and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), all of which were huge box-office successes. Sunny Deol became known for his intense performances and powerful dialogues, solidifying his status as an action hero.
- Bobby Deol: Bobby, the younger son, made his debut in 1995 with Barsaat, which was a success. However, despite some early hits, Bobby faced challenges in sustaining consistent success in the industry. Nonetheless, in recent years, Bobby has made a comeback with roles in successful films such as Race 3 (2018) and the Aashram series, which has garnered a significant fan base.
The Deol family has become a pillar of Bollywood, with each generation continuing to contribute significantly to the industry. Dharmendra’s love and support for his sons are evident in how he always stood by them, offering both guidance and wisdom in their respective careers.
5. Dharmendra Net Worth and Earnings
Having been part of Bollywood for decades, Dharmendra has accumulated a significant fortune. As of 2025, Dharmendra’s net worth is estimated to be around $75 million. This wealth comes from various sources, primarily from his successful film career, but also from his ventures outside of acting.
Dharmendra has always been a shrewd businessman. He owns several properties across India and has invested in various sectors, from real estate to production. He also made money through brand endorsements, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, when his iconic status allowed him to become the face of several major brands.
His success in film production and direction has also added to his wealth. Even in his later years, Dharmendra’s net worth continues to grow due to his ongoing investments and occasional appearances in films and television shows.
Legacy and Influence of Dharmendra in Bollywood
Dharmendra’s age has only enhanced his stature as a Bollywood legend. Not only did he set trends in the kinds of roles he played, but his enduring influence has had a lasting impact on generations of actors. Many contemporary actors credit Dharmendra’s screen presence as one of their inspirations.
Throughout his career, Dharmendra shaped the image of the Bollywood action hero. His portrayal of heroic, strong, and multifaceted characters in films like Sholay, Rakhwala, Rajput, and The Burning Train is legendary. Moreover, his ability to juggle between various genres—whether it be romance, action, or drama—has made him one of the most versatile actors of all time.
Additionally, Dharmendra played a significant role in bringing more naturalistic acting to Bollywood, influencing the direction of acting styles in the 1980s and beyond. His legacy continues to live on in the films he left behind, and his stature as a Bollywood icon is unlikely to diminish even as Dharmendra age increases.
A Look at Dharmendra’s Iconic Roles
Some of Dharmendra’s most iconic films are worth mentioning for their impact on both his career and the Indian film industry. In addition to Sholay, other landmark films such as Seeta Aur Geeta, Rakhwala, Rajput, The Burning Train, and Chupke Chupke stand out.
His role as the strong yet sensitive Veeru in Sholay is unparalleled in its contribution to Indian cinematic history. The film became an unforgettable part of Bollywood’s legacy and showcased Dharmendra as both an action star and a romantic lead. His famous dialogue, “Yeh dosti hum nahi todenge,” became synonymous with the spirit of friendship in Indian culture.
Other films like Rakhwala and Rajput solidified Dharmendra’s image as an action star, while Chupke Chupke and Seeta Aur Geeta highlighted his charm and comedic skills. Whether in serious action roles or lighthearted romantic comedies, Dharmendra proved his versatility time and time again.
Dharmendra Age and His Continuing Legacy
Even in his 80s, Dharmendra age has not deterred him from remaining active in the public eye. His legacy, both as an actor and as a personality, continues to endure. Today, he is regarded as a father figure to many younger Bollywood stars, and his advice is highly valued in the industry. His influence can be seen in the way younger actors approach their craft, particularly in terms of physicality and the versatility required to thrive in Bollywood.
Conclusion
Dharmendra age may have slowed him down in terms of physically demanding roles, but his timeless appeal, his legacy as one of Bollywood’s greatest actors, and his continued engagement with fans make him an everlasting figure in Indian cinema. His life, both on-screen and off-screen, remains a story of determination, passion, and resilience—a true Bollywood legend whose influence and contribution will never be forgotten.
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