Dharmendra, often referred to as the He-Man of Indian cinema, has left an indelible mark on Bollywood with his iconic performances ranging from action roles to more romantic and comedic turns.
If you wish to know more about the Sholay and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani star’s multi-decade career, our streaming guide will take you through the best movies starring Dharmendra. We also give you all the information that you need to stream these classics.
Which Dharmendra movies should I watch first?
Dharmendra’s career, which began in the late 1950s, has seen him evolve from a romantic hero to an action superstar, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal.
In the 1960s, Dharmendra gained prominence for his roles in romantic films such as Bandini (1963) and Phool Aur Patthar (1966). His portrayal of the brooding and charismatic protagonist in these films earned him critical acclaim and established him as a leading actor in the industry.
The 1970s marked a significant phase in Dharmendra's career, with a string of successful action films that solidified his status as an action hero. Movies like Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973), and Sholay (1975) showcased his impeccable timing, machismo, and on-screen charisma.
Dharmendra continued to deliver memorable performances in the 1980s, with films like Chupke Chupke (1975), where he displayed his comedic chops alongside stalwarts like his Sholay co-star Amitabh Bachchan. His versatility was further showcased in films like Satyakam (1969) and Dharam Veer (1977), where he effortlessly essayed diverse characters with depth and conviction.
In the 2000s, Dharmendra made a successful comeback with films like the boxing drama Apne (2007), where he shared screen space with his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol. He also reunited with his sons for the screwball comedy Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), which capitalized on his real-life chemistry with his sons and became a box office success.
While Yamla Pagla Deewana spawned two more sequels, a notable performance from his recent career comes from Karan Johar’s romantic comedy Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The movie found him playing Ranveer Singh’s on-screen grandfather, an elderly family patriarch who finds solace in his tiresome life when he rediscovers a past love interest. Dharmendra’s performance was lauded among critics as one of the film’s best elements.
With five acting Filmfare nods and one Best Film nomination (for producing Ghayal), Dharmendra was finally awarded a Lifetime Achievement Filmfare in 1997. His contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable, and his legacy as one of the greatest actors in Bollywood will endure for generations to come.
Why is Sholay Dharmnedra’s best movie to watch?
Largely considered as one of the best Indian films of all time, Sholay is a mass entertainer with a cult fandom. While it boasts an unforgettable villain with Amjad Khan’s dacoit Gabbar Singh, Dharmendra holds his own as Veeru. A lovable ex-con with a heart of gold, his chemistry with co-lead Amitabh Bachchan drew immense praise and marked an all-time career high for Dharmendra. His Veeru remains one of his most iconic performances and is etched in the annals of Indian cinema.
Where can I watch the best Dharmendra movies online?
Below you can find the latest streaming information for Dharmendra's best movies. This includes every offer for viewers in India. We also show you if any of his best movies are available to watch online for free.
