Remembering Dharmendra: Five timeless life lessons from Bollywood’s OG He-Man

November 25, 2025 - 6:15 PM IST

Dharmendra, fondly remembered as Bollywood’s original He-Man, left behind a legacy that spans over six decades — a career defined by blockbuster hits, critical acclaim, and an unfiltered honesty that endeared him to generations. His journey from a small village in Punjab to becoming a global icon stands as a testament to resilience, versatility, and staying grounded amid the glare of stardom.

Remembering Dharmendra: Five timeless life lessons from Bollywood’s OG He-Man

Here are five enduring life and career lessons from the legendary actor, captured through his own words:

The Power of the Initial Dream: Go All-In

Dharmendra's career began with a simple, audacious dream: seeing himself on the silver screen. He wasn't born into a film family; his path started with winning a Filmfare magazine talent contest, which served as his one-way ticket to Mumbai. His arrival in the city was a leap of faith, demonstrating the power of committing fully to a vision, regardless of the daunting challenges.

At the trailer launch of Poster Boys, the veteran actor had said, "When I came into the film industry, I knew nobody. While cycling I used to see my glimpse on the posters, see my dreams at night and look in the mirror the next morning and ask: Can I become Dilip Kumar?"

The Lesson: A dream without fear is the greatest launchpad. Dharmendra teaches that when you are the 'outsider,' your passion must be your sole connection.

Versatility is the Key to Longevity: Evolve or Fade

Unlike many contemporaries who stuck to a rigid screen persona, Dharmendra constantly reinvented himself. He began as the shy, romantic lead in classics like Bandini and Anupama, but successfully pivoted to become the rugged, action-comedy star of films like Sholay and Pratiggya when the audience's taste changed. This ability to adapt ensured his relevance across multiple decades.

Reflecting on the nature of show business, he acknowledges the continuous need for change. In a chat with Mid-Day in 2020, he said, "Every decade, the audience's tastes change."

The Lesson: To sustain success, one must never be complacent. Be ready to shed your comfort zone and try new 'genres' in your professional life, whether it’s in film or finance.

Embrace the Struggle, Cherish the Love

Dharmendra's success was not overnight. His early days involved struggle and initial rejections. Yet, he views this period not with bitterness, but as a necessary part of the journey. He consistently emphasizes that the greatest reward he has received is the affection of his fans, placing that above wealth or stardom.

He often philosophises about the effort required to achieve any goal. On his 79th birthday, in a chat with IANS, he said, "All I know is that I have earned a lot of love and affection from people throughout the years. That's my greatest gift. Beyond that, I never took stardom and success seriously."

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The Lesson: True success is about the journey (the struggle) and the human connections (the love) you make along the way, not just the destination.

Authenticity is King: Be a Human Being First

Despite being a superstar, Dharmendra is celebrated for his grounded nature. He often retires to his farmhouse, sharing videos of his simple life and thoughts. He insists that his identity as a human being is far more important than his status as an actor, a principle that has made him relatable and enduringly popular across generations.

He offers a profound perspective on the hierarchy of the self. In a candid conversation with journalists in 2019, Dharmendra had said, "People say that artists come and go but let me tell you I am not an artist. I am first a human being and if you are a good human being, you have achieved everything no matter how big an actor you are."

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The Lesson: Never let your professional title overshadow your personal character. Being genuine and maintaining humility is the ultimate sign of inner strength.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Don't Let Downs Define You

Like any long career, Dharmendra's has seen its share of ups and downs, both professional and personal (which he has publicly acknowledged, including past struggles with alcohol). His ability to bounce back, work consistently, and recently charm audiences in films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani speaks volumes about his resilience. He doesn't shy away from admitting that life is unpredictable.

He maintains a simple yet profound outlook. In September this year, during a conversation with Mamaraazzi, his daughter Esha reflected on the advice he got from his father and said, “My mother and father have always told me that success and failure are a part of everything in life.”

The Lesson: Failure and difficulty are inevitable chapters, not the whole story. The strength of a legacy is defined by the number of times you choose to stand up after being knocked down.

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As the film industry and his countless admirers bid him farewell, Dharmendra’s journey continues to inspire. He lived with honesty, loved deeply, and never lost touch with the simple man he once was. His films made people smile, cry, and believe in goodness — but it was his warmth as a human being that truly set him apart. Even though he is gone, Dharmendra’s spirit will live on through his words, his work, and the love he gave so freely to the world.

Also Read: Bobby Deol opens up on his father Dharmendra’s emotional praise for his acting evolution: “Now you understand yourself as an actor, now you know your capabilities”