The Indian film industry and fans across the globe are mourning the loss of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. With a career spanning over six decades and nearly 300 films, Dharmendra leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, marked by his versatility, charisma, and, most notably, his unmatched box office success.
Dharmendra's journey in Bollywood began in 1960 with "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere". He gained popularity in the mid-1960s with films like "Ayee Milan Ki Bela", and "Phool Aur Patthar," the latter becoming a major commercial success and earning him his first Filmfare nomination. This marked a turning point, establishing him as a bankable star. His career soared in the following years, with hits like "Anupama", "Aaye Din Bahar Ke", and "Mamta". By the 1970s, he had become one of the most reliable actors in the industry, showcasing his range in romance, action, and drama.
What truly sets Dharmendra apart is the sheer number of successful films he delivered. It is estimated that he has approximately 125 successful movies, including semi-hits, average hits, super hits, blockbusters and all-time blockbusters. Out of these, around 74 films are certified hits. This number surpasses that of his contemporaries and even the biggest superstars of later generations. To put it in perspective, Amitabh Bachchan has 56 hits, Shah Rukh Khan 34, and Salman Khan 38. Even acclaimed actors like Jeetendra, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajesh Khanna, and Akshay Kumar haven't reached Dharmendra's impressive tally.
Several of Dharmendra's films have achieved iconic status. "Sholay" (1975) stands as his biggest all-time blockbuster, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever. Adjusted for inflation, its box office collection would be around Rs. 1493.5 crore. Other notable hits include "Phool Aur Patthar" (1966), which was the highest-grossing film of its year, "Seeta Aur Geeta" (1972), and "Hukumat" (1987), which was the highest-grossing Hindi film of its year.
Dharmendra's success wasn't limited to individual blockbusters. In 1973, he delivered seven successful films, and in 1987, he delivered eight successful films in a single year. In fact, in 1987, "Hukumat" became the highest-grossing film of the year, solidifying his image as an action superstar. His frequent collaborations with Hema Malini, whom he later married, produced numerous hits, including "Tum Haseen Main Jawaan," "Sharafat," "Seeta Aur Geeta," and "Sholay".
Despite his remarkable box office record, Dharmendra was often not given the "superstar" tag. While he consistently delivered hits, many of his successful films were multi-starrers, and in the 1980s, his solo hits were often smaller in scale compared to those of Amitabh Bachchan and others. Nevertheless, his enduring popularity and the sheer volume of his successful films cemented his place as one of the most beloved and commercially successful actors in Indian cinema history.
Dharmendra's legacy extends beyond acting. In 1983, he established Vijayta Films, launching his son Sunny Deol's career with the blockbuster "Betaab". The production house also produced the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film "Ghayal" in 1990. He also served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009.
Dharmendra's passing marks the end of an era. His contribution to Indian cinema is immense, and his record of delivering more hits than any other Bollywood actor remains a testament to his enduring appeal and impact on the industry. He will be remembered not just as an actor, but as an icon who shaped generations of cinema lovers.
