Happy Birthday Dharmendra: 8 lesser-known facts of the actor you did not know

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra has turned 85 today.  The actor has essayed several roles in various films that are still considered to be cult classics. He is considered one of the most successful actors in the history of Indian cinema and is also known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema.

In 1960, the actor made his Bollywood debut with Arjun Hingorani’s Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and has been entertaining us ever since. He is one of the most celebrated actors of Bollywood and has completed over 60 years in the industry. On his 85th birthday today, here are some lesser-known facts about the Sholay actor we bet you did not know.

Dharmendra lesser-known facts:

1. Dharmendra was born to a school teacher Kewal Kishan Singh Deol and wife Satwant Kaur on December 8, 1935.

2. He hated school and used to urge his mother not to send him to school as his father scolded him more than other children.

3. Dharmendra was the winner of Filmfare magazine’s nationally organized new talent award and went to Mumbai from Punjab.

4. His first action film was ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which was the highest-grossing film of 1966.

5. Dharmendra made his debut in the film industry and was given a salary of Rs. 51 only.

6. During his initial struggling days, he befriended Manoj Kumar, later both the actors went on to become superhit actors.

7. In the mid-seventies, Dharmendra was also voted among the top 10 most handsome men in the world.

8. The actor has played the role of the romantic hero with many leading actresses of Bollywood.

Wishing the veteran actor, a very happy birthday!