By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His Birth Anniversary
तू फूल बने पतझड़ का, तुझ पे बहार न आए कभी
मेरी ही तरह तू तड़पे तुझको क़रार न आए कभी
जिये तू इस तरह की ज़िंदगी को तरसे
मेरे दुश्मन तू मेरी दोस्ती को तरसे
मुझे ग़म देने वाले तू खुशी को तरसे
Dharmendra who was noticed in a ‘Talent Hunt’ organized by Filmfare mgazine in late 1950s, debuted with Arjun Hingorani’s “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ in 1960. The actor was not recognized when he went to attend the premiere of his debut film. In between he did a number of films like “Anpadh” ( 1962), “Bandini” ( 1963), “Ayee Milan Ki Bela” ( 1964) playing a villain, albeit brief, “Pooja Ke Phool” (1964) ” Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi” ( 1966 ) & ” Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya”.Most films did well at the Box Office.
The Actor tasted stardom with O. P. Ralhan’s “Phool Aur Patthar” starring Meena Kumari,Shashikala,Helen & Madan Puri with music score by Ravi.There is no denying the fact that the actor cast a spell of his masculine charm on Meena Kumari, the latter not knowing that he was married. However, the veteran actress cemented his career & worked with him in a number of films like “Kajal” also featuring Raj Kumar & Padmini, “Purnima” ( 1965) and “Baharon Ki Manzil”(1968) to mention few.
Aaya Sawan Jhoomke, Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Ishq Par Zor Nahin, Pyar Hi Pyar and Jeevan Mritu, Naya Zamana, Seeta Aur Geeta were some of his romantic films while Shikar, Blackmail, Kab Kyun Aur Kahan and Keemat, Aanken were his suspense or crime oriented films. He also worked in emotional films too, like “Khamoshi”, “Anupama”, “Bandini”, & “Anpadh”, including some comedy films like “Chupke Chupke” to prove his mettle and versatility.
“Mera Gaon Mera Desh” ( 1971) was one of his super hit prominent dacoit-oriented film with many hit numbers like ” Maar Diya Jaye Yaa Chod Diya Jaye Bol Tere Saath Kya Salook Kiya Jaaye”. Under his banner Vijayta Films he produced many films including “Ghayal” which won seven Filmfare Awards including the Best Film. He also launched his both sons Sunny in “Betaab” ( 1983) & Booby Deol in “Barsaat” ( 1995) & so successfully, too. His pairing nay chemistry with Hema Malini was unbelievable; the two danced into the hearts of the cine-goers. The couple married in 1980 ending all speculations. Interestingly, the star thoroughly enjoyed the company of his female co-stars & even had romantic inkling, too, with some of them. Some of his films like “Anupama”, & “Saytyakaam” were highly appreciated. “Sholay” (1975) was one of his highest grossing film.
The actor also worked in many Punjabi films the likes of “Kanka De Ohle” (1971) in a cameo, starring Ravinder Kapoor, Indira & Asha Parekh, “Putt Jattan De”( 1982) featuring Shatrughan Sinha Baldev Khosa & Daljeet Kaur in the lead, “Teri Meri Ik Jindri”( 1975), “Qurbani Jatt Di” (1990) & “Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam” (1974) featuring Radha Saluja & Shaminder to mention some.
Some of the hit numbers from his films include’ ‘Jeet he lenge baazi hum tum’, ‘Tumhi pukar lo, tumhara intezaar’, ‘Rafta rafta dekho aankh meri ladi hai’ ,’Sheeshe se pee ya paimane se pee’, ‘Jhilmil sitaron ka aangan hoga’, ‘Hum safar mere hum safar’, ‘Mere dushman tu meri dosti ko tarse’, ‘Pal pal dil ke paas tum rehti ho’, ‘Mujhko is raat ke tanhaaye me aawaz na do’, ‘Abhi to haath main jaam hai’, ‘Tumko hamari umar lag jaye’, ‘Kaliyon ne ghoonghat khole har phool pe bhanwra dole’, ‘Main suraj hoon tu meri kiran’ , ‘Dheere dheere machal eh dile beqrar’, & ‘Mujhko is raat ki tanhayee mein aawaz na do’ to mention few.
“Double the Trouble” was one of his last Punjabi films. Dharmendra won 6 Filmfare Nomination for Best Actor. Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award & Padma Bhushan ( 2012) by the Government of India. Won National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for ‘Ghayal’ as producer in 1990. Filmfare adjudged “Sholay”( 1975) Best Hindi Film of 50 years .Married Prakash Kaur in 1954 & Hema Malini in 1980. The actor was seen in action during the marriage of his grandson some time ago.
