Dharmendra

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol (born 8 December 1935), better known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is primarily known for his work in Hindi films, as well as in a few Punjabi films. Sometimes nicknamed the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra is widely regarded to be amongst the most handsome Indian actors of his time. He received the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, from the Government of India in 2012. Dharmendra has worked in over 300 films in a career spanning over six decades, He is considered one of the most successful actors in the history of Hindi Cinema. After making debut in a small film, he first gained popularity in the mid 1960s for films such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Kaajal, Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Din Bahar Ke among others. He then achieved greater stardom in later years, dubbed India's Garam Dharam for several of his on-screen roles in Hindi films. He consistently starred in top grossing Hindi films since late 1960s to 80s, such as Aankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Sharafat, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Samadhi, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Kahani Kismat Ki, Loafer, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ram Balram, Kaatilon Ke Kaatil, Ghazab, Naukar Biwi Ka, Ghulami, Hukumat, Insaniyat Ke Dushman, Loha, Aag Hi Aag, Elaan-E-Jung and Tahalka. He earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of a prison doctor in Bandini, a soldier in Haqeeqat, a writer in Anupama, a righteous man in Satyakam and a professor in Chupke Chupke. Since late 1990s, he began to appear in character roles in several successful and acclaimed films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a... Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Bollywood. He was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India, representing Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2012, he was awarded India's third-highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.