Dharmendra: The Only Superstar Who Braved Rajesh Khanna's 17-Hits-In-2-Year Box Office Storm

New Delhi: Veteran Bollywood actor and industry's He-Man, Dharmendra breathed his last on Monday (November 24, 2025) at the age of 89. The Bollywood superstar was supposed to celebrate his birthday on December 8, yet destiny had other plans. Though the reason for the actor's demise is still unknown, Dharmendra's fans and celebrities have taken to their social media accounts to pay a rich tribute to the Bollywood legend.

The buzz around his death began after celebrities began arriving at his residence in Mumbai and an ambulance was also spotted entering the veteran actor's residence on Monday. Dharmendra's last rites are being held at Mumbai's Pawan Hans Crematorium. The actor leaves behind an unmatched legacy spanning over six decades and over 300 films. Often touted as the most good-looking man of the Indian cinema, Dharmendra was more than his good looks and tough on-screen persona. He was known for his versatility as an on-screen performer. His on-screen friction with superstar Rajesh Khanna is much talked about. Here's a look at some of his major films and the “rivalry” that ensued.

Longest Reigning Superstars

Dharmendra can be seen as the longest reigning superstar of his time where he did several outstanding movies playing softer characters like Satyakam (1969), Anupama (1966), Bandini (1963), Chupke Chupke (1975) among others. His other films included The Burning Train (1980), Hukumat (1987), Blackmail (1973), Dost (1974), Haqeeqat (1964) and Aankhen (1968), and more. While Dharmendra was delivering hits after hits, the Bollywood was hit by Rajesh Khanna's box office storm in 1969. However, Rajesh Khanna's popularity could not hamper Dharmendra's success and the superstar continued to reign the hearts of people. 

Talking about records, between 1969 and 1971, Rajesh Khanna had delivered at least 17 hits in a row, including Anand, Amar Prem, and Aradhana, yet Dharmendra's stardom remained unaffected despite these classic hits. It can be said that Rajesh Khanna's stardom was short-lived and it was Dharmendra who began to reign the box office with one massive hit after the other. Rajesh Khanna continued to deliver successes post 1972 as well but not of the same magnitude as in the past. Dharmendra, who began his career in 1960, continued to deliver hits well into the ‘90s. 

In 1975, release of Sholay added another feather to Dharmendra's cap and despite entry of other superstars, including Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha among others, there was no stopping for him as he was the only one who delivered major hits even then as a solo hero and in multistarrers. It was in mid-80s when Rajesh Khanna’s career as a solo lead had hit a road block. 

Back in 1987, Dharmendra broke the box office when he delivered seven out of 10 biggest grossers of the year. These films include top grosser of the year - Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag (4th), Insaniyat Ke Dushman (5th), Watan Ke Rakhwale (7th), Insaf Ki Pukar (8th), Loha (9th) and Jaan Hatheli Pe (10th). From the year 1969 to 1971, Rajesh Khanna delivered as many as 17 hits and blockbusters in a row (15 solo starrer and 2 two-hero films). These films include Aradhana, Doli, Bandhan, Ittefaq, Do Raaste, Khamoshi, Safar, The Train, Kati Patang, Sachaa Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajna, Mehboob Ki Mehendi, Choti Bahu, Anand, Haati Mere Saathi, Andaz and Maryada. The figures can justify the friction which ensued between the two Bollywood superstars.

Dharmendra's Box Office Records

There are discussions regarding biggest superstars in over 100 years of Indian cinema and in 2023, Box Office India had released a list stating that in the truest sense there are only seven superstars and Dharmendra was in that elite list. The only seven superstars of Indian cinema in the order of their debuts are Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Dharmendra's career transcended more than 60 years with numerous box office blockbusters and cult classics and his demise is truly like the end of an era.

With the passing away of the He-man of Bollywood, the film fraternity lost a gem and actors and celebrities paid him rich tributes. He was last seen in 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' in 2024 and he will be next seen posthumously in Ikkis. Prior to this film, in 2023, he surprised everyone with his stellar performance in Karan Johar's directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. He effortlessly rekindled the romantic aura he was always known for. Dharmendra maintained a fan base across all ages. His enduring charm transcended generations, and with his passing away, he leaves behind a legacy cherished by admirers, colleagues, and the nation at large.

Also Read : Dharmendra, The He-Man Of Bollywood & Superstar With Most Hits, Dies; Condolences Pour In