This Is Why Dharmendra Was Called the ‘Greek God’ of 70s Bollywood

As Dharmendra turns 83 on 8 December, here’s a look at his fantastic journey in photos.

Veteran actor Dharmendra is often called the original He-Man of Bollywood. But the actor says he has never felt the trappings of an image and has tried to become someone new every time he’s seen on the big screen. “I have always broken my image every time I went on screen. I don't believe I have an image,” he says.

Dharmendra began his career playing a common man in films like Anpadh, Bandini, Anupama and Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke. His smouldering good looks earned him the moniker - ‘Greek God’ of Bollywood.

“I don't know what it means to be a Greek god but people used to call me one. People have given me a lot of love but I never got high on it. The love has given me a strong foothold. And I try to maintain this love, I hope it never wears away," said Dharmendra in an earlier interview with PTI.

In the 70s, he transitioned into playing the desi macho characters in films like Sholay and Dharam Veer, while playing comic roles in films like Guddi, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh.

As the actor turns 83 on 8 December, here’s a look at his fantastic journey in photos:

(With inputs from PTI)