Dharmendra
The Hindi film star of Sholay who acted in more than 300 films and served as an MP, honoured posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan in 2026.
Dharmendra was one of the biggest stars Hindi cinema has known, with a career that ran for more than six decades. He was named posthumously for the Padma Vibhushan in 2026 in the field of art, from Maharashtra [1].
From Punjab to the screen
Dharmendra Singh Deol was born on 8 December 1939 in Nasrali, Punjab [2]. He was spotted through a Filmfare talent contest and made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere [2]. He won praise for his roles in Bandini (1963) and Satyakam (1969), in which he played an idealist [2].
Veeru and the He-Man
His role as Veeru in Sholay (1975) became part of Indian popular culture; the film was the highest-grossing Hindi film for nearly two decades [2]. Known as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, he acted in more than 300 films [2].
In 1983 he founded Vijayta Films, which launched his sons’ careers and produced the National Award-winning Ghayal [2]. He also wrote poetry [2].
Parliament
From 2004 to 2009 he was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha, representing Bikaner in Rajasthan [2].
He received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012 [2]. He died on 24 November 2025 [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2026: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2026 investiture ceremony brochure: citation for Dharmendra — Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Accessed 12 October 2026.
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