While veteran actor Dharmendra is widely remembered today as the “He Man” of Bollywood due to his muscular build and association with action roles, he originally began his career as a romantic lead.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dharmendra’s striking looks garnered him immense recognition, establishing him as one of the most handsome men in the Indian film industry.
🌎 The Global Recognition
Dharmendra’s good looks received attention beyond India:
- International Media: During the 1970s, when he was establishing himself as a leading man, international publications reportedly included him in their lists of the top 10 and top 5 most handsome men in the world, with some even ranking him at the very top.
- Hollywood Comparison: The actor himself recalled being compared to contemporary Hollywood heartthrobs like James Dean and Paul Newman.
- Personal Anecdote: In an interview with Lehren Retro, Dharmendra shared that he was compared to a Hollywood star whose films he had not seen. After watching the star’s film, he reflected, “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’s Passing
Dharmendra passed away on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday. The actor had been battling ill health for several weeks, including a recent hospitalization, but was discharged to his family home in Juhu, where he passed away.