Dharmendra Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Dharmendra net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in this in-depth profile of the Bollywood icon.
Dharmendra Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Dharmendra is a veteran Indian actor and film personality best known for his iconic roles in Hindi cinema.
Introduction
Dharmendra (full name Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol) was born on December 8, 1935—thus his birthday falls on December 8. Over a remarkable film career spanning decades, he has built a varied personal and professional life. Current estimates place Dharmendra net worth in the range of ₹335–450 crore (approx. US $40–50 million) through a mix of acting, production, and investments. In his personal life, Dharmendra relationships have been both complex and public: he remains married to his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and later married fellow star Hema Malini—both unions shaping his family life and image.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol |
| Age/Birthdate | December 8, 1935 |
| Birthday | December 8 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer, Former Politician |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~₹335–450 crore (≈ US $40–50 million) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Prakash Kaur; married to Hema Malini (public) |
| Known For | Leading actor of Hindi cinema, “He-Man of Bollywood” |
From Village Roots to Screen Legend
Born in Nasrali, Punjab (British India) on December 8, 1935, Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol—later simply Dharmendra—grew up in a modest family with his father Kewal Kishan Singh Deol working as a school head-master. His first steps into Hindi cinema were humble, beginning with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) and gradually building his image as a rugged, charismatic star.
He became a box-office force in the 1970s, especially with films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and the landmark Sholay. His nickname “He-Man of Bollywood” emerged from his action-star persona.
Defining moments in Dharmendra’s journey include:
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Winning notice for villain-turn in Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), signalling his ascent.
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Anchor film Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) which cemented his status.
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Superstar era spanning into the 1970s with multiple big-hits, turning actor into brand.
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Diversification into production, business and other ventures to build beyond acting.
The Core Pillars of Dharmendra’s Wealth
The core pillars of Dharmendra’s wealth include:
| Income Stream | Description |
|---|---|
| Film Acting & Production | Decades of box-office hits, high-value lead roles, production credits covering major films. |
| Real Estate & Asset Holdings | Large farmhouse estate (reported ~100 acre in Lonavala region), luxury vehicles, land investments. |
| Business Ventures & Endorsements | Diversified into hospitality, restaurants, brand tie-ups, leveraging star image for non-film revenue. |
Relationships & Family Life
Dharmendra’s personal life has drawn nearly as much attention as his career, due to its complexity and the public nature of his relationships.
He first married Prakash Kaur (at a young age) around 1954. The relationship endured well into decades, and they share four children including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both prominent actors.
Later, his on-screen partnership with actress Hema Malini developed into a real-life relationship. The two married in 1980. Their union was unconventional in many respects—by some accounts they lived separately despite being married, while he maintained his household with Prakash Kaur.
Key insights into Dharmendra’s relationships and personal life:
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His enduring marriage with Prakash Kaur spans over seven decades, demonstrating a stable anchor in his life even amidst unmatched fame.
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His marriage to Hema Malini, while celebrated, followed social conventions in atypical ways—she chose not to shift into his first household, reflecting a distinctive family structure.
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His family includes six children in total (two with Hema Malini, four with Prakash Kaur), linking multiple generations of film talent and business alliances.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Dharmendra leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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A sprawling farmhouse reportedly around 100 acres in the Lonavala region, often referenced as his retreat and investment asset.
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A collection of luxury vehicles, vintage cars and high-end automobiles underpinning his net-worth narrative.
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Investment in restaurants and hospitality businesses—an example of capitalising on brand beyond the screen.
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Philanthropic leanings and a public persona of modesty despite stardom—his off-screen image resonates with respect for roots and family.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Here is a broad breakdown of Dharmendra’s net worth composition:
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures | ~₹200–300 crore | Livemint / Moneycontrol estimates |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | ~₹30–50 crore | Financial press coverage |
| Investments & Assets (land, real estate, cars) | ~₹50–100 crore | CA Knowledge / NDTV reports |
Analysis
Dharmendra’s net worth growth reflects a blend of enduring star value and prudent investment. While acting income laid the foundation, his transition into asset ownership and business enabled sustainability beyond peak career years. The recent consensus—₹335–450 crore—places him among India’s wealthier veteran stars.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Dharmendra’s legacy is firmly etched in Indian cinema: called “He-Man of Bollywood”, his screen persona married rugged masculinity with vulnerability, making him both idolised and relatable.
His influence spans:
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Generations of actors (including his own sons) citing him as inspiration for discipline and longevity.
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A business-savvy approach to stardom—recognising that film fame needs anchoring in real assets.
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A personal life that continues to spark conversation—his unique family arrangement, the second marriage to Hema Malini, and his balancing of star image with family roots.
Public commentary often frames him not just as an actor but as a brand, a patriarch of a film dynasty and a figure of stability in an industry known for volatility.
Conclusion
Dharmendra’s story is one of transformation—village boy to Bollywood icon, fast-rising lead actor to business maven, and beloved family figure in spite of complexities. With a birthdate on December 8, 1935 and a career that refuses to fade, his legacy extends beyond films into wealth creation and family legacy. From building an estimated net worth in the hundreds of crores to managing personal relationships in the public eye, his journey offers insights into how stardom and substance can align. As his birthday approaches, his life remains a testament to resilience, reinvention and staying true to one’s roots.
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