Dharmendra: From Bollywood Stardom to a Diverse Business Empire

Bollywood lost one of its most beloved figures when veteran actor Dharmendra, popularly known as the industry’s original “He-Man,” passed away shortly before his 90th birthday on December 8. The Padma Bhushan awardee was rushed to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he breathed his last. His wife, actor-politician Hema Malini, and sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, were seen arriving at the hospital shortly after the news broke.

According to multiple media reports, Dharmendra’s net worth was estimated at around Rs 335–450 crore, while the combined wealth of the Deol family is believed to exceed Rs 1,000 crore. His wealth was not just a result of his stardom but also his astute business acumen and diverse investments.

Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema spans more than six decades, with iconic performances in films like Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Khamoshi, Johnny Gaddar, and the upcoming Ikkis. However, the actor was much more than just a superstar; he was also an astute investor and entrepreneur.

His entrepreneurial journey began with the launch of Garam Dharam Dhaba in New Delhi in 2015, a restaurant concept inspired by his on-screen persona and rustic charm. The venture quickly gained popularity and became a notable brand within North India’s dining scene. In 2022, he opened another eatery named He-Man on the Karnal Highway, which paid homage to his enduring nickname and muscular image that dominated Bollywood in the 70s and 80s.

Despite living in Mumbai with his family, Dharmendra often sought solace in his 100-acre farmhouse in Lonavala, a serene countryside escape that he visited frequently. The farmhouse includes modern amenities such as a heated outdoor swimming pool, where the actor regularly engaged in aqua therapy. Media reports state that Dharmendra owned properties worth over Rs 17 crore in Maharashtra, along with agricultural land valued at over Rs 88 lakh and non-agricultural land worth Rs 52 lakh.

His passion for hospitality also extended into real estate ventures. According to media reports, Dharmendra partnered with a restaurant chain to develop a 30-cottage resort on a 12-acre plot near his farmhouse, an expansion that reflected his long-term business vision.

Dharmendra’s love for cars was well known. His collection, assembled over decades, reflected both sentiment and sophistication. It included a vintage Fiat, a Range Rover Evoque, and a Mercedes-Benz SL500. These vehicles mirrored the journey of an actor who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.

Beyond acting and business, Dharmendra’s influence extended into film production. In 1983, he launched his banner Vijayta Films, under which he produced Betaab, the film that introduced Sunny Deol to the silver screen. The banner later launched Bobby Deol with Barsaat in 1995. More recently, Dharmendra presented Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019), marking the debut of his grandson Karan Deol. The production house became a generational platform, reinforcing the Deol family’s lasting imprint on Bollywood.

Dharmendra’s journey, from a young boy from Punjab dreaming of cinema to India’s beloved He-Man, was one of unmatched dedication and reinvention. His estimated net worth of ₹335–₹450 crore is not merely a reflection of wealth but of a life spent building, creating, and inspiring. His films, businesses, restaurants, production house, and vast real estate holdings together form an empire that will continue to shape the legacy of the Deol family. As India mourns the loss of one of its greatest stars, Dharmendra leaves behind more than memories; he leaves behind a dynasty, a business legacy, and a net worth that narrates the story of a true Bollywood titan.