Looking Back at Dharmendra Through Memory and Film!

It is difficult to think of Hindi cinema without thinking of Dharmendra. For many of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s, he was more than a star. His presence shaped how we understood charm, strength, humor, and emotion on screen. For me, while Amitabh Bachchan defined much of my imagination during the 1980s, Dharmendra was my earliest window into Hindi films.

My first memory of Dharmendra is tied to my earliest memory of cinema itself. I must have been four or five, taken to watch Sholay again and again. It was not the action that stayed with me, it was Dharmendra’s natural sense of comedy. Veeru made me laugh long before I understood what humour actually meant. I kept returning to Sholay so many times that I have lost count. Even today, I revisit it for the star cast, Bachchan and Dharmendra, Amjad Khan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bhaduri. I return to it for the assured storytelling of Ramesh Sippy, the haunting tunes of RD Burman, and the crisp cinematography and editing style that give the film its place in our collective memory. It stands tall as one of Indian cinema’s greatest films. The friendship between Jai and Veeru still feels personal, even after all these years.

Still from Sholay: L: Dharmedra, R: Amitabh Bachchan

As I grew older, Bachchan’s roles shaped the era I was living through, yet Dharmendra’s films stayed close, especially his powerful roles that carried both strength and emotion. But there is one film of his that shaped my understanding of society in a way I did not expect.

Poster of the film Ghulami - 1985, directed by J P Datta

When Dharmendra Helped Me Understand Caste Through Film

Ghulami (Dir. J P Datta, 1985) was the first mainstream Hindi film that helped me understand the harshness of caste discrimination. At that time, I had heard casteist remarks and felt their sting, but I did not have the maturity to interpret them. Ghulami brought the issue to the surface for me. The water battle, where Dharmendra’s Ranjit stands with others from oppressed caste communities who are barred from drawing water because their touch is treated as polluting, left a strong impression. When Mithun Chakraborty’s character Javar steps in to fight beside him, it added to the force of that moment.

The film also showed other moments that stayed with me. The school teacher who makes students from oppressed castes sit at the back. The landlord who forces Ranjit’s mother to humiliate herself by placing slippers on her head. It was rare to see a mainstream film address these issues with top stars, and Dharmendra’s performance carried the emotion of the story.

Ghulami made me see discrimination as a system, not isolated incidents. Many assume caste discrimination exists only in villages, but it is present everywhere. One sees it in cities, in institutions, and even in diasporic communities across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The film gave me courage, even at a young age, to question injustice whenever I saw it.

Dharmendra leaves behind a wide and unforgettable body of work. His partnership with Bachchan remains one of the most enjoyable pairings in Hindi cinema. His films were part of my childhood, my teenage years, and my understanding of the world of Hindi cinema.

A big part of this love for cinema came from my mother. She was a true film buff and had a special fondness for Dharmendra. During the VCR era, she would bring home films from her own list, and we would watch them together. She did not just play the films, she talked about the actors, the scenes, the stories, and the emotions they carried. Her enthusiasm made me look forward to every film night. Her thoughts shaped the way I watched cinema, and over time, they shaped my own passion for films.

Dharmendra’s passing brings back all these memories. His films are more than entertainment for me. They are tied to my childhood, my mother, and my early understanding of society through cinema.

Ten Dharmendra Films I recommend

1. Sholay (1975)

Dharmendra’s Veeru shaped my earliest memories of cinema. His humor and lively presence made the film unforgettable, even for a child watching it for the first time.

2. Chupke Chupke (1975)

A gentle comedy that shows Dharmendra’s playful side. His natural timing and warmth make this one of the most enjoyable films of its time.

3. Ram Balram (1980)

One of the finest collaborations between Dharmendra and Bachchan. Their chemistry brings energy and charm to the story of brothers caught in a web of betrayal.

4. Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)

A powerful film with Dharmendra in a role that balances strength and sensitivity. His journey from an aimless young man to a protector of the village is gripping and memorable.

5. Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

A lost and found masala film that set new trends in Hindi cinema. Dharmendra brings emotion and style to a story woven around memory, loss, and reunion.

6. Black Mail (1973)

A suspense-driven film where Dharmendra carries both charm and tension with ease. His screen presence keeps the story engaging throughout… and of course, the evergreen song Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas… it still features in my playlist!

7. Dharam Veer (1977)

A grand fantasy film filled with scale and spectacle. Dharmendra brings strength, style, and a sense of fun to a role that still stands out today.

Films My Mother Loved and Introduced Us To:

My mother’s love for Dharmendra shaped my own connection to his work. She watched films with genuine passion and spoke about them with such detail that we could not help but be curious. Her choices were thoughtful and filled with admiration for both story and performance. These films became part of our home, shaping our weekends and holidays. Watching them with her created a bond with cinema that has stayed with me all my life.

8. Shola Aur Shabnam (1961)

A gentle love story where Dharmendra’s sincerity brings grace to the character.

9. Haqeeqat (1964)

A memorable war film. Dharmendra’s restrained performance carries the emotion of sacrifice and loss.

10. Phool Aur Patthar (1966)

A film that marked a turning point in his career. Dharmendra plays a hardened man who discovers compassion, and his performance leaves a strong impression.

11. Mamta (1966)

A touching drama where Dharmendra adds emotional support to a story centered on relationships and sacrifice. The song Rahen Na Rahen Hum… emotional to th core… an all time favourite!

12. Anupama (1966)

One of the finest soft performances of his career. His gentle presence adds depth to a film built on silence and unspoken feelings.

13. Ankhen (1968)

A stylish espionage thriller where Dharmendra carries the role of a confident and determined agent with flair.

14. Satyakam (1969)

An emotionally strong film where Dharmendra delivers one of the greatest performances of his life. His portrayal of moral struggle adds weight to the entire story.

15. Jeevan Mrityu (1970)

A gripping film where Dharmendra’s transformation from a wronged man to a seeker of justice is both compelling and satisfying.

16. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

A delightful film where Dharmendra brings charm and humor to a story driven by Hema Malini’s double role.

17. Samadhi (1972)

A popular action drama where Dharmendra’s energy and determination stand out.

The Curry Western Dharmendra

These films had a style of their own. With cowboy hats, dust-filled settings, and dramatic confrontations, Dharmendra added star power to this genre and made it enjoyable for audiences across generations.

Pratiggya, Chunaoti, Jagir, Loha, Zalzala

Each of these films carries his trademark strength and screen presence, giving an Indian twist to the Western format.

Thank you, Dharmendra, for the cinema you gave us, for the sincerity in your performances, and for filling our lives with stories, emotion, and entertainment.tories, emotion, and entertainment.