Top 10 Dharmendra Movies of all Time — A Tribue to the He-Man of Bollywood

Dharmendra Ji is one of Indian cinema’s most beloved legends — an actor whose charm, strength, humility, and effortless screen presence made him a favourite across generations. As a tribute to this timeless superstar, here are ten films that not only shaped his iconic career but also left a permanent mark on Indian cinema. Each movie below includes extra highlights that show why Dharam Ji’s legacy remains unmatched.

1. Sholay (1975)

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Dharmendra’s portrayal of Veeru remains one of the most unforgettable characters in film history. His humour, warmth, and natural spontaneity made Veeru the emotional heartbeat of the movie. From the iconic “Basanti, in kutton ke saamne…” dialogue to his legendary friendship with Jai, every scene showed Dharmendra’s effortless charm. His chemistry with Hema Malini added extra magic, and his comic timing ensured he stood out in this massive ensemble. Even decades later, people quote his lines, proving the cultural impact of his performance.

2. Chupke Chupke (1975)

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Dharmendra delivered one of Indian cinema’s finest comedic performances in this Hrishikesh Mukherjee classic. As Dr. Parimal Tripathi, he shone with mischievous expressions, witty dialogue delivery, and natural comic timing. His “botany professor” act is still considered a masterclass in clean comedy. The chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan added another highlight, showing how Dharmendra could dominate even a comedy-driven script with pure charm.

3. Phool Aur Patthar (1966)

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This film was a turning point in Dharmendra’s career, firmly establishing him as a superstar. His role as a tough but emotionally conflicted man displayed both strength and sensitivity. The iconic shirtless scene contributed heavily to his “He-Man of Bollywood” image. His raw intensity and silent emotional expressions made this performance one of the most memorable of the era.

4. Satyakam (1969)

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Widely considered Dharmendra’s greatest acting performance, Satyakam showcased his deep emotional range. His portrayal of an honest man battling corruption was powerful, sincere, and heartbreaking. The film’s final scenes, featuring Dharmendra at his emotional peak, remain some of the strongest moments in Hindi cinema. Critics often cite this as proof of his unmatched acting calibre.

5. Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

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This landmark film became a multi-generation favourite, thanks in part to Dharmendra’s strong screen presence. His role as the eldest brother searching for his family added heart and emotional weight to the story. The film’s music, action, and dramatic moments were elevated by Dharmendra’s natural heroism and charisma.

6. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

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Dharmendra brought charm, humour, and heroic energy to this fun-filled entertainer. His chemistry with Hema Malini was one of the major highlights, creating several iconic and hilarious scenes. His blend of comedy and romance made his performance lively, memorable, and endlessly rewatchable.

7. Anupama (1966)

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This film revealed Dharmendra’s softer, more poetic side. His calm, gentle performance perfectly matched the emotional tone of the story. Without relying on action or loud drama, Dharmendra proved he could shine in subtle, refined roles through honesty and understated brilliance.

8. Shalimar (1978)

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A stylish thriller ahead of its time, Shalimar allowed Dharmendra to play a confident, charming thief. His suave performance brought elegance and intensity to the film. Over the years, Shalimar developed a cult following, with Dharmendra’s modern, charismatic portrayal being a major reason.

9. Raja Jani (1972)

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A complete masala entertainer, Raja Jani showcased Dharmendra’s versatility. His powerful presence, lively humour, and emotional acting made the film a commercial success. The chemistry with Hema Malini once again became one of the film’s strongest assets.

10. Dharam Veer (1977)

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A grand Manmohan Desai spectacle, Dharam Veer featured Dharmendra in a larger-than-life role. The fantasy setting and dramatic storyline gave him ample scope to blend heroism, emotion, and style. He looked majestic, performed with full energy, and entertained audiences in true Bollywood fashion. The film became a massive blockbuster and a fan favourite.