Dharmendra Opens Up: “I Stitched a New Suit Every Year Hoping for an Award, But Never Got One”

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Mumbai: Bollywood legend Dharmendra, renowned for delivering countless blockbusters and iconic performances, revealed the bittersweet side of his illustrious career. Despite acting in over 300 films and earning widespread critical acclaim, the veteran actor admitted that he never received a Best Actor award for his efforts.

A Stellar Career, Yet No Award:

Dharmendra began his career in 1960 with the film Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere, earning a mere ₹51 for his role. Over the decades, he became one of Bollywood’s most celebrated stars, famously known as Garam Dharam. His hits include classics like Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Pratigya, Satyakam, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Chupke Chupke. Though he won a Filmfare award for Best Talent early on and later a Lifetime Achievement Award, accolades for his acting prowess largely eluded him.

“Dusty Trophies Mean Less Than Audience Love”

Reflecting on this, Dharmendra once shared during the 42nd Filmfare Awards in 1997, where he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, that he used to stitch a new suit every year and search for a matching tie, hoping to win an award—but it never happened. He candidly said, “I went through my Silver and Golden Jubilees, but no award came my way. Eventually, I gave up. I decided I would go to award functions in a T-shirt and shorts, or even in a simple dhoti.”

He emphasized that while awards are symbolic, the love and admiration of the audience hold far more value than “dusty trophies” sitting on a shelf. In interviews, Dharmendra also pointed out that many of his films, including Phool Aur Patthar, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Pratigya, Sholay, and Naya Zamana, truly deserved recognition.

A Legacy Beyond Awards:

Dharmendra’s candid reflections highlight a truth many stars resonate with: while awards are meaningful, it is the enduring connection with fans that cements a legacy. His fans continue to celebrate his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, regardless of accolades.

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