In an era where Bollywood's elite often succumbed to the intimidation of the underworld, one man stood tall, unyielding in his resolve: Dharmendra, the "He-Man" of Indian cinema. Recent accounts have resurfaced, painting a vivid picture of his courage and defiance during a turbulent period in the Hindi film industry.
During the 1980s and 90s, the Mumbai film industry was heavily influenced by the underworld. Extortion, forced funding of films, and death threats were common, creating an atmosphere of fear and compliance. Many actors were compelled to pay protection money or work in films produced by underworld-linked individuals. However, Dharmendra and his family remained unafraid.
Actor and director Satyajeet Puri, who shared screen space with Dharmendra in films like Rajput (1982) and Betaab (1983), recounted the veteran actor's fearless attitude. In an interview with Friday Talkies, Puri recalled, "At that time, the underworld was very strong. Many actors would get scared if they were summoned. But Dharamji and his family never feared them".
Dharmendra's response to these threats was legendary. Puri explained that if anyone from the underworld tried to intimidate him, Dharmendra would retort, "If you come for me, the whole Sahnewal will come from Punjab. You have 10 people, but I have an army. Ek ko bulaunga aur truck bharke log Punjab se ladne aa jayenge. So don't mess with me". Sahnewal is Dharmendra's native village in Punjab. This potent declaration made the underworld think twice before targeting him.
Dharmendra's confidence wasn't limited to dealing with gangsters; it was a part of his everyday persona. Puri recounted an incident during the shooting of Ghulami (1985), where a scene required a horse to gallop up a palace's marble staircase. While a duplicate was available, Dharmendra insisted on performing the stunt himself. Despite the stairs being slippery, he fearlessly executed the scene, demonstrating his physical prowess and unwavering resolve.
Another instance showcasing his courage involved a fan attacking him with a knife. Instead of panicking, Dharmendra tackled the attacker himself, disarming him swiftly. Puri noted that in those days, actors like Dharmendra and Vinod Khanna would walk freely without bodyguards, a stark contrast to the present.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, a village in Ludhiana district, Punjab, he rose to become one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema. His career, spanning over six decades, includes iconic films such as Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Sholay (1975), and Dream Girl (1977). He was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Dharmendra's journey, from a boy from Sahnewal to Bollywood's "He-Man," is a testament to his courage, charm, and unwavering spirit.
Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 89.
