From Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke to Sholay: Revisit iconic films of India’s He-Man

Legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday at the age of 89, has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for over six decades, captivating audiences with his rugged charm, versatility, and unforgettable performances. With a career marked by iconic roles, intense action sequences, and heartwarming romances, Dharmendra has earned his place as one of Bollywood’s greatest legends.
With over 300 films to his credit, Dharmendra has cemented his status as a film icon. His journey remained a testament to enduring talent and dedication.
Let’s revisit some of his most iconic movies that made him a heartthrob to millions.
Ayee Milan Ki Bela: After working in movies like Shola Aur Shabnam, Anpadh, and Bimal Roy’s Bandini, Mohan Kumar’s directional venture Ayee Milan Ki Bela, also starring Rajendra Kumar, and Saira Banu, turned out to be a remarkable film of Dharmendra’s career as the audience noticed his performance and he received a nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category.
Aaye Din Bahar Ke: Another milestone film of his career was Aaye Din Bahar Ke; in which he was paired with Asha Parekh. The film was a box office success due to its soulful music, scenic cinematography, and a compelling blend of romance and melodrama.
Anupama: Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s poignant drama Anupama features Dharmendra as Ashok, a sensitive schoolteacher with a poetic soul. The film starring Sharmila Tagore, Shashikala, Deven Verma and Surekha Pandit, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke: Who can forget the romantic chemistry between Dharmendra and Asha Parekh in Raghunath Jhalani’s Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke. The film was loved for its hit pairing, and its soundtrack, composed by the duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, was a massive musical hit. Songs like Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, O Majhi Chal, and Saathiya nahi jana ki jee na lage became evergreen classics and contributed significantly to the film’s enduring appeal.
Phool Aur Patthar: Directed and produced by O. P. Ralhan, marked a defining milestone in Dharmendra’s career and became one of the biggest box-office hits of its year. The film’s success not only established Dharmendra as a leading man in Hindi cinema but also made him, after Raj Kapoor, the second Indian actor to gain extraordinary popularity across the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countries.
Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi: It is another iconic film of Dharmendra, featuring a poignant love triangle storyline and soulful music by O.P. Nayyar. His remarkable performances were well-complemented by the powerful screen presence of Mala Sinha and Tanuja. It also features Rehman, Deven Verma and Johnny Walker in supporting roles.
Sholay: This cult classic, directed by Ramesh Sippy, is considered one of the greatest Indian films of all time. Dharmendra’s portrayal of Veeru, alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai, is unforgettable. From his romantic chemistry with Basanti, portrayed by Hema Malini, to his friendship with Jai, everything about Veeru makes it a special character and it remains one of the most iconic films of the late star.
Satyakam: As the lead protagonist, Dharmendra portrayed the character of Satyapriya Acharya, a highly principled man who gets married to a sexual assault victim. As the film progresses, he struggles to live up to his own principles in real life. ‘Satyakam’ is still counted among one of his finest works in Hindi cinema.
The movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Dharmendra’s legacy extends beyond his films to inspire generations of actors and fans. He will always be remembered as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, a true legend who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Dharmendra’s native villages mourn death of their iconic son
Dango and Sahnewal, two nondescript villages in Punjab’s Ludhiana district situated more than 30 kilometres apart, have one thing in common — Bollywood’s He-Man Dharmendra.
And now they are united in grief over the passing of the showbiz legend. As the news of the legend’s death flashed across news channels, Dango and Sahnewal slipped into deep mourning.
Born in Nasrali village in 1935, Dharam Singh Deol and his family shifted to Sahnewal and settled there after his father, Kewal Kishen Singh Deol, a schoolteacher, was transferred there.(Agencies)