Best Dharmendra Movies

The Burning Train (1980)

In the 1980 film The Burning Train, Dharmendra plays Ashok, an engineer and best friend to Vinod (Vinod Khanna). Ashok's character is crucial to the plot, as he becomes a key figure in trying to save the passengers after the "Super Express" catches fire on its maiden journey. The role highlighted his versatility beyond typical action hero roles.
 

Pratiggya (1975)

In the 1975 film Pratiggya, Dharmendra stars as Ajit Singh, an illiterate but charming truck driver. After learning his family was massacred by the bandit Bharat Thakur (Ajit), he vows revenge. 
Seeking the bandit, he stumbles upon a dying police inspector and assumes his identity, setting up a makeshift police station in the village controlled by Thakur. The film is an action-comedy that blends humor, romance with Hema Malini, and classic revenge drama, becoming a huge box office success and a cherished entertainer of its era.
 

Guddi (1971)

In the 1971 film Guddi, Dharmendra plays himself, the real-life superstar. The plot revolves around Kusum (Guddi), a naive schoolgirl played by Jaya Bhaduri, who is completely obsessed with his on-screen persona and refuses to marry anyone else. 
Dharmendra ultimately helps Guddi's family in a plan to make her understand the difference between the illusion of cinema and the reality of life. He deliberately exposes her to the unglamorous, hard-working, and often artificial world behind the scenes of filmmaking. Through this experience, Guddi realizes that her infatuation was a mirage and that the actor is a normal human being with fears and insecurities, not the "superman" she imagined. His role is crucial for her character development.
 

Anupama (1966)

In the 1966 Hindi film Anupama, Dharmendra played the sensitive and progressive writer Ashok. He meets Uma (Sharmila Tagore), a shy girl repressed by her father's blame for her mother's death. Ashok, in a nuanced performance, sees past her silence, helping her overcome her trauma and build self-confidence. His gentle character provided a stark contrast to his later "He-Man" roles.

Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)

 

In the 1971 film Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Dharmendra plays the character of Ajit, a reformed petty thief. 
After serving a six-month jail sentence, Ajit is given a chance at redemption by a retired army major. He moves to a village that is constantly terrorized by a ruthless dacoit (bandit) named Jabbar Singh (played by Vinod Khanna). Ajit falls in love with a local girl, Anju (Asha Parekh), and decides to stand up to Jabbar's gang to protect the innocent villagers, ultimately fighting for justice and peace in the community.

Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

In Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Dharmendra plays Raka, a charming, rugged bike-riding street performer who falls for the bold Geeta (Hema Malini). His performance brings humor and action to this blockbuster comedy-drama, featuring iconic scenes like his dialogue, "Sher ka baap aaya hai". His chemistry with Malini was a major highlight.
 

Ankhen (1968)

 

In the 1968 spy thriller film Ankhen, Dharmendra stars as Sunil, a fearless secret agent. Sunil travels to Beirut to dismantle an international conspiracy and a terrorist network threatening India's security. The role solidified Dharmendra's "lean star image" and boosted his bankability, contributing to the movie's status as the year's highest-grossing film and a pioneering Hindi spy flick. He delivered a performance that was both charming and patriotic.

Satyakam (1969)

 

 In the 1969 film Satyakam, Dharmendra delivers a career-defining performance as Satyapriya Acharya, an intensely idealistic and honest young engineer in post-independence India. He consistently refuses to compromise his principles, fighting against a corrupt system and societal injustice, even when it causes immense personal hardship and isolation. His portrayal is a powerful, nuanced departure from his typical "He-Man" action roles, highlighting his depth and earning widespread critical acclaim for his naturalistic and impactful acting as a man who values truth above all else. The film is considered a timeless classic about integrity and morality.

 

Phool Aur Patthar (1966)

In the landmark 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar, Dharmendra played a rugged, anti-hero criminal who transforms after forming an emotional bond with a young widow. This role was a major turning point, moving him away from his earlier romantic parts and cementing his image as Bollywood's quintessential "He-Man" and action star. The film was a phenomenal commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year and a golden jubilee hit, establishing Dharmendra as a major star in Indian cinema.
 

Haqeeqat (1964)

In the 1964 war film Haqeeqat, Dharmendra played the pivotal role of Captain Bahadur Singh. 
Set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the film depicts a small, outnumbered platoon of Indian soldiers in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. Captain Bahadur Singh is in charge of a forward post. When the Chinese forces surround them, the Indian soldiers are ordered to retreat, but the harsh weather and enemy fire make the journey perilous. 
Dharmendra's character ensures his soldiers can fall back safely, ultimately sacrificing his life while holding the fort with a local Ladakhi girl, Angmo. His performance, matching veteran actors like Balraj Sahni, was noted for its on-screen charisma and grit, contributing significantly to the film's powerful emotional and patriotic impact. The film is widely considered one of India's greatest war films.
 

Chupke Chupke (1975)

In the 1975 comedy film Chupke Chupke, Dharmendra masterfully plays Dr. Parimal Tripathi, a cunning botany professor who disguises himself as a driver named Pyare Mohan. 
He undertakes this elaborate prank to humble his wife's overly-intellectual brother-in-law (Om Prakash), who he feels she idolizes excessively. Dharmendra's performance, known for its hilarious dialogue and impeccable comic timing (especially his scenes debating English language logic), is considered one of his most versatile roles, moving away from his "He-Man" action image and creating a cult classic.
 

Sholay (1975)

 

In the iconic 1975 film Sholay, Dharmendra delivered a legendary performance as Veeru, the spirited and lovable outlaw. 
Dharmendra's portrayal of Veeru, one of two ex-convicts hired by a retired police officer to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh, was central to the film's success. Known for his exceptional comic timing, daring action sequences, and infectious chemistry with Hema Malini's character Basanti, Dharmendra brought humor and emotional depth to the film. His dynamic with Amitabh Bachchan (as the quiet Jai) created an unforgettable on-screen friendship that became a benchmark in Indian cinema, cementing his status as a Bollywood legend.