Dharmendra: A Bollywood Icon with a Political Legacy
Bollywood has lost a true legend. Dharmendra, the actor known for his iconic roles in Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat, passed away on November 24, just weeks before his 90th birthday. His death marks the end of an era in Hindi cinema. Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, making him a household name. His powerful performances and rugged charm will forever be remembered. But his journey wasn’t just about films. He also had a notable, though brief, political career.
Dharmendra’s Foray Into Politics
In 2004, Dharmendra joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during its “India Shining” campaign. His massive popularity as a film star helped him win the Bikaner seat in the 14th Lok Sabha elections. Dharmendra defeated the Congress candidate by a wide margin. Many saw his entry into politics as a natural extension of his public image.
However, his time in politics wasn’t without challenges. Critics often referred to him as an “absentee MP,” citing his limited involvement in parliamentary work. Despite this, Dharmendra’s supporters believed he worked hard behind the scenes for his constituency. By 2009, Dharmendra chose not to seek re-election and distanced himself from politics. Reflecting on his political career, he said, “I did the work, but someone else took the credit.” He admitted that politics was never his true calling.
Return to Cinema and Family Support
After leaving politics, Dharmendra returned to acting and continued to support his son, Sunny Deol, in his political journey. Dharmendra remained a staunch BJP supporter but kept a low profile in the political sphere. In 2019, he campaigned for Sunny, who ran for office in Gurdaspur. Dharmendra emphasized his non-political status but remained committed to serving the country through his son’s campaign.
Dharmendra’s Final Years and Legacy
In his final years, Dharmendra’s health began to decline. He was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital but was later discharged to recover at home. His family—wife Hema Malini, daughters Esha and Ahana—stood by his side. Sunny Deol, visibly emotional, confronted the media, urging them to respect their privacy.
Dharmendra’s contributions to Bollywood remain unparalleled. His performances in classics like Phool Aur Patthar, Raja Jani, and Dharam Veer solidified his place in film history. Though his political journey was short-lived, it added depth to his public persona.
A Multifaceted Legacy
Dharmendra will be remembered as a cinematic legend and a man of integrity. His brief political career showed his desire to serve the country, but his heart remained in film. As Bollywood mourns his loss, Dharmendra’s legacy continues to live on, not only in his movies but in his devotion to his family and his country.
