DHARMENDRA -A Biography

 

“Dharmendra: Not Just a He-Man by Rajiv M. Vijayakar is a biography that chronicles the actor’s life, highlighting the years of struggle he faced before destiny gradually led him to stardom.”

The book recounts many interesting events from Dharmendra’s early days, including how he and Manoj Kumar began their film careers around the same time and soon became close friends. It also describes a moment when Dharmendra, disheartened, almost decided to quit the industry, but was persuaded to continue by Manoj Kumar. ”Dharmendra’s early life was marked by instability, hardship, and both emotional and financial insecurity. 

The book notes that his simple dreams were to own an apartment and a Fiat car—goals he eventually achieved, even if the car was a used one. His talent began to gain recognition with films such as "Bandini", "Anpadh", Devar,  "Main Chup Rahungi". 

This early success was followed by two major milestones: "Haqeeqat (1964) and" Phool Aur Patthar (1966)." These films ushered in a new phase of fame for him, with "Phool Aur Patthar"—which Dharmendra himself described as the ‘Sholay" of the 1960s’—becoming the launching pad that ensured he never looked back. It was around this time that he earned the iconic title of ‘He-Man.’”

Films like "Satyakam" "Shikar", "Aankhen", "Aadmi Aur Insaan", "Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke", "Jeevan Mrityu", "Sharafat", "Naya Zamana", "Seeta Aur Geeta","Samadhi","Loafer", "Jugnu" "Yaadon Ki Baraat" and finally "Sholay" were among most successful films he will be known for. But besides destiny on his side, hard work , sincerity with simplicity and his love for people and films that contributed to his enormous success.

DHARMENDRA

 

Born: December 8,1935

Died: November 24,2025

There is ample material across books, magazines, and the web celebrating the legends of Hindi cinema, yet Dharmendra’s rise and lasting success hold a special charm of their own. My memories go back to the early 1960s, when I first saw a few of his early films such as Neela Akash, Devar, and Anpadh. Even in those performances, Dharmendra stood out—handsome, dignified, and effortlessly expressive. One of my aunties was an admirer, and I still remember how often he appeared on the covers of Filmfare, a sign of both his popularity and the industry’s growing confidence in him.

As his career progressed, some of the finest directors of the era—most notably Hrishikesh Mukherjee—began casting him in roles that blended sensitivity with star presence. Films like Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Milan Ki Bela, and Ankhen became major box-office hits, establishing him as a leading man who could handle drama, romance, and action with equal ease.

When Aradhana released in 1969, Rajesh Khanna became an overnight phenomenon, setting off a wave that swept through the industry and briefly overshadowed almost every other actor. Yet,Dharmendra remained the one star who was not shaken by this shifting tide. His career continued its steady upward rise, powered not by hype but by consistent performances, a devoted fan base, and a versatility that allowed him to flourish across genres.

The early 1970s marked a new phase, especially with his pairing opposite Hema Malini. Together, they delivered a string of successful films that captivated audiences across the country. By the mid-1980s, Dharmendra and Hema Malini had become one of the most beloved and respected star couples in Indian cinema—a partnership that eventually grew into a real-life marriage, adding a fairy-tale touch to their story.

Dharmendra has appeared in over 300 films, with some sources specifying 306 films, over his career spanning more than six decades. He is considered one of the most successful and influential actors in Indian cinema history and holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films

Known as the “He-Man of Hindi cinema,” he combined rugged charm with down-to-earth simplicity — a rare blend that kept female admirers devoted to him for over sixty years.

Maintaining decades-long popularity and success is a rare feat in Indian cinema. Dharmendra stands out in Hindi films, while in the South, only legends like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan can be counted among his peers

JEETENDRA

 

Born: April 7,1942

Jeetendra established himself  more as a star than an actor initially with a tag name “Jumping Jack”

which referred to his energetic, bouncing  dancing in film like “Farz” and 1970-80 films.

However, Gulzar was instrumental in bringing screen image change for him in Films like “Parichay”, “Khusboo” “Kinara”

Listen to what he said in an interview about Gulzar

*Jeetendra says about his role in Parichay

*Jeetendra talks about his lack of music knowledge

PANKAJ KAPUR

 

Born: May29, 1954

BEST KNOWN FILMS: *Gandhi

                                         *Jaane BinDo Yaaron

                                         *Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho

TV show:                         * Karamchand

                                         * Mungerilal ke Haseen Sapne

  

 In an interview Pankaj Kapur admitted he lives like a middle class Mumbai person. He is contended and though wishes to achieve more, yet satisfied with what he has.

When he wanted to become an actor an early age, his father encouraged him . He follows the same principle and allows his children to do whatever, they want to achieve.

He maintained that he is proud of his son Shahid as he has created his own niche all by his own hardwork.

His recently released Punjabi  film” Raavi De Kande” will be worth watching.

            

An interview with a Punjabi

SANJAY DUTT

A fan apparently left property for Sanjay in south Mumbai which according to him was worth about 150 crores . Sanjay in an interview said he believed the property he didn’t deserve as he didn’t know the person and rightfully returned it to family with the condition that it should be used in a proper way.

A fan left property for him - video

DEEPIKA PADOKONE

 

Quotable Quotes of Deepika

In a conversation with Harper’s Bazaar in 2025, Deepika said, “At this stage, it’s not about that anymore. It’s not about the Rs 100-crore films, or even the Rs 500–Rs 600 crore ones.”

She added, “What excites me is empowering other talent. My team and I are now focused on that—enabling storytelling and supporting other creative minds, writers, directors, and even new producers. That’s what feels meaningful to me now.”

FARIDA JALAL

Born: May18,1950

 I often spotted her at Bangalore shops as I lived there too and lately she had settled also at Bangalore shops.

Though she began her career with a  film “Taqdeer”, the first big break came with “Aradhna” in 1969 opposite Rajesh Khanna in second half of the movie.

Aradhna was greatest hit film of its time and Rajesh Sharmila  Tagore became favourites of filmgoers. 

Farida somehow lost in  the limelight of movie and its enormous success didn’t bring her recognition she deserved. 

There could be various reasons why she was not in the race of glamorous heroines like Mumtaz,Rakhi, Rekha,Sridevi and Zeenat Aman  who got meaty roles in early 70-80s.

However,as one the finest actresses, she found her niche as a supporting actor in many films. Every film she did , she was credited for her performance , however small or big role she was offered.

“Aayi bahar ko hum baant le”

SULAKSHANA PANDIT

 

 Born :July 12,1954

Died :November6,2025

I remember a day  in early 70s in Kolkata, she was there to perform at Ravindra Sadan . In an ambassador car I was in one corner and she sat on other rear  seat  with Mahendra kapoor. She was beautiful and had just entered the industry with high hopes of making it big in films. She did achieve success but was short lived and had personal setbacks after Sanjeev Kumar whom she is said to be in love, died in 1985. Her struggle was long and painful like many others , yet those who remember, she was one star who made her presence felt at one time.

Movie world is glamorous and dream of many ,doesn’t offer everyone an opportunity to shine for ever. Only few can reach  the top of success ladder and continue to stay there . For rest it begins as a fairy story , end of it not necessarily of happiness and blissful life lived.

Sulakshna Pandit was a star which once dazzled.

,

Kamini Kaushal

Born: February 24,1927

Died: November 14,2025

Kamini Kaushal, One of the finest actresses of Hindi films passed away on November 14,2025.

She was always seen in Manoj Kumar’s films . “Upkar”, “Shaheed”, “Purab aur Paschim” were most popular of these movies

HARIYALI AUR RAASTA ( 1962)

 

One of the biggest commercial successes of 1962.

The soundtrack became a milestone in Hindi  films. Movie established Manoj Kumar as new star . Manoj was looking for a break. Manoj Kumar once said about his spiritual experience before release of this film.

He visited Haji Malang, a pilgrim place on advice of actor Om Prakash.

While walking downhill after praying at pilgrim, he saw an elderly man in while clothes who said " Jaa Ikatees tareekh ko milenge"( Go, we will meet on 31st) . Strangely, movie was released on Jan 1 1962 and movie was instantly declared hit. Manoj Kumar visited pilgrim several times but never saw that man again

The song Teri Yaad Dil |Se Bhulane Chala Hoon  was one of the most popular songs of the movie

#ManojKumar

Hariyali Aur Raasta

Dilip Kumar

 

One of  the top actresses of 60's Sadhana passed away on December 25th.

 Her smile, popular Sadhana Cut hair style and several hit films of that era will linger in memories of people who watched her journey in Hindi cinema from peak of success  to a total withdrawal  from public life in her later years.

Wedding bells for Soha Ali Khan & Kunal Khemmu

PK

 Raj Kumar Hirani's PK has evoked mixed reactions from cinegoers but Aamir's smile proves that -it is the success at the end that matters. The movie continues to do well at box office

Movies List 2015

Ungli

	Emraan Hashmi  Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda and Sanjay Dutt. Poor performances, weak storyline, Rated    *

2014 was not less eventful; Three great artists (all April Born) passed away in 2014 leaving  their memories behind. 
Suchitra Sen, Zohra Sehgal and Deven Verma, each of them at one point had won the hearts of millions by their  performances, each contributed to Indian Cinema. Sooner or later they will be part of our faint memories, yet whenever, their films will be replayed, they will continue to leave an impact on those watching. 

                                                    Suchitra Sen (April 6,1931- Jan 17, 2014)

Suchitra Sen, Being a bengali actress, was one of the top artistes of  her time , remembered for Agnipariksha, Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Pathey Holo Deri, Kamal Lata, Indrani, Sabar Upore, Suryatoran, Shaare Chuattor, Sadanander Mela, Jiban Trishna, Ekti Raat, Chaawa Paawa, Shapmochan, Bipasha, Naborag, Trijama, Rajlakshmi Srikanto, Har Mana Har, Alo Amar Alo, Ora Thakey Odhare, Grihaprabesh. She & her co star Uttam Kumar together became the most adored and loved pair of over two decades. 
Her last few years were of self denial and in solitude, away from public life.Howevever,those who watched her  will not be able to erase the memory of her profound performances and romatic era, she belonged to.               
                                                 

                                              Zohra Sehgal (April 27, 1912-July 10,2014)


The Veteran adorable actor of Cheeni Kum, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,Bend it like Beckham,Veer Zaara she lighted up the audience with her lively and cute twinkle in her eyes and pinch of comic role she was so good to perform at.
Her performances and zest for life always made headlines on media.



                                             

                                                 Deven Verma( April 23,1937- Dec 2,2014)

Who can forget Bahadur of  Film "Angoor" which won him Filmfare Award in 1983. Acted in several films from 1960 to  early eighties, he created his own comic style different from  those who saw Johny Walker or Mehmood, Rajendra Nath or Mukri in  early fifty or late sixties. Movie after movie, his popularity grew over time and whether in a smaller or pivotal  role  Deven Verma was  noticed and praised for his talent- Natural and effortless.

Gulzar, his director of  "Angoor" and a friend had this to say about him:
"Gulzar : He was a great actor, I wouldn't call him a comedian
'Angoor' (1983) was one of the major films we worked on together. I was in regular touch with him, even though he had moved to Pune. He had told me about his heart problem. He wanted to have a screening of 'Angoor' at a club and wanted me to present it, but it didn't happen. He was a great actor, I wouldn't call him a comedian. He never used buffoonery that we're used to attaching with comedy, now. He played his two characters in 'Angoor' differently. The only similarity between the two is the name, rest everything — from the body language to the way they spoke — every nuance was distinct. I got the news of his demise from a common friend in Pune and immediately conveyed my condolences. It sounds cliched... There's only so much you can do, hold the hand.. one can't do more than that.. He lived his life well, his sense of humour was there till the end, despite being unwell. While he had a sense of humour and was a very lively person, with spirit and energy, he was also a sober person at the same time. One could consult him on personal matters and he would give sound advice. His demise is a loss."

Sadashiv Amrapurkar

  Veteran actor Sadashiv Amrapurkar dies at a Mumbai hospital. He was 64.

D-Day released in 2013 is fictional underworld movie by Nikhil Advani who has convincingly unfolded a story of an underworld and lives of agents who work tirelessly to nab him.
 Rishi Kapoor,Irrfan Khan, Arjun Rampal, Shruti Hassan and surprisingly a new face Shriswara as Nafisa - all give excellent performances.

Irrfan is one actor who is always a delight to watch and puts his heart and soul in every role he plays but it's the  director who  deserves the kudos to have got such performances from every artist.
One of  well made and  appreciated movies.

Rating 8/10

Shriswara

"Margarita with a straw "-A new generation movie with difference -starring Kalki Koechlin is about a bisexual Laila who finds love with outspoken activist Khanum(Sayani Gupta)

According to Kalki the role was truly demanding as she had to portray a character which has  a disability(Cerebral Palsy). Written & directed by Shonali Bose, story is inspired by Shonali's cousin, Malini who has cerebral palsy. Kalki was introduced to Malini who she lived with, watched movies together to get to see the world from her perspective and play a true life role. In today's context of Bollywood style of filmmaking, such initiatives have rarely been taken. However, as new generation of movie makers and actors are ready to take plunge into realistic cinema, no wonder we will get to see more meaningful films like "Margarita With a Straw" in very near future. The makers and actors deserve accolades.
(Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move. It is a permanent life-long condition, but generally does not worsen over time. It is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth-https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au)

Film was recently screened at Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF)

Mary Kom

Priyanka Chopra appeared on front page of Toronto Star when she arrived for the world premiere of her film " Mary Kom" in which she portrays a five time world amateur boxing  champion.
Linda Barnard movie writer for Toronto Star had this to say about Priyanka

"India's Angelina Jolie, Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra, changed her body and hopes to change a few minds by playing Indian boxing champion Mary Kom in the self-titled biopic, which had its world premiere at TIFF Thursday"
"Videos of Kom's fights "were my bedtime stories" as Chopra watched them over and over to learn the fighter's style. The right handed Chopra also had to learn to fight "like a southpaw" to match the left-handed Kom and ate a high protein diet to bulk up while doing punishing workouts with heavy weights "to exhaustion"

Priyanka Chopra at Toronto International Film Festival September 6 2014

Sunny Deol

On launch of "Betaab"- 1983 successful film which took Sunny's career instantly to greater heights in the years to follow.

Humpty Sharma ki Dulhan

August 9,2014

 Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt lead the cast of  "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhan"- a Karan Johar production which is latest and instant box office success.

With new fresh and talented faces, film's credit goes more to performances of young stars than the script or overall movie per se. Thinly woven plot goes fast forward obviously  as new version of "Dil Wale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge style" with predictable end. 

Apparently, makers have understood the pulses of younger moviegoers and know how to keep audience engaged with insensate humour and dumb turns.

Wow, "wish such things could happen in real life "but that's not a statement you make while watching a typical spiced Bollywood extravaganza with multi million investment and with a smart film maker who knows how to churn out a successful  and not bother about making a great film.

Rating: **/*****

Mohammad Rafi

July 31, 2014

On his 34 th death anniversary- Remembering Mohammed Rafi who sang over four thousand songs and continues to be favourite even with new generation when many singers come and go without leaving any impression of great singing.Every song he  recorded became popular-This couldn't be attributed to his luck or  wouldn't it be unfair to say that he belonged to an era when lyricists, music directors knew how to create great music  with his voice. His voice suited almost every actor and perfectly pitched to any film situation speaks about ingenuity and God gifted talent he owned.

Whether it was Dilip kumar, or Devanand, Rajendra Kumar,Shammi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Sanjeev Kumar,Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor,Joy Mukherjee, Pradeep Kumar, Guru Dutt,Raaj Kumar and even Mehmood and Johnny Walker - his voice suited every actor or in other words every actor wanted his playback singing on screen.

It's once in a life time such artistes are born. Regretfully, he left too early and entire industry was shocked to hear about his passing away this day but Maestro had written his name with a golden ink on history pages of Indian cinema and his voice will keep enthralling music lovers for years to come.

Dilip Kumar

"If I can be an actor, any one can become an actor" Easlly said by him but so hard to believe. In one of videos he speaks out about his early days.

Watch this:

http://youtu.be/Lll_sa1q_uE

Sanjay dutt

In one of rare pictures Sanjay Dutt with his father Late Sunil Dutt,his brother in law Kumar Gaurav,Late Rajendra Kumar and Mahesh Bhatt.