Celebrating Dharmendra: The actor who holds the record for performing in two films of the same title four times
December 8 marks a special day for Bollywood fans. It's the birthday of the legendary Dharmendra, fondly known as the He-Man of Indian cinema. With a career spanning over six decades, he remains one of the industry's most loved and respected actors. From romantic dramas to action-packed thrillers, Dharmendra has showcased unparalleled versatility.
What makes him truly unique are the stories behind his iconic career. One of his lesser-known achievements is the rare record of acting in two films with the same title—not once but four times. These titles have graced very different films, regardless of their box office fate. Let's explore this fascinating record.
The first instance of this unique feat was with Baazi. In 1968, Dharmendra starred in Baazi, a crime thriller directed by Moni Bhattacharjee. The film followed Inspector Ajay (played by Dharmendra) as he uncovered a web of greed and deceit surrounding a life insurance fraud. Despite its gripping storyline and stellar cast, including Waheeda Rehman, Johnny Walker, and Helen, and music by Kalyanji-Anandji, the film proved average at the box office.
Fast-forward to 1984, and Dharmendra returned to the screen with Baazi, this time as part of an action-packed drama directed by Raj N. Sippy. Here, he played an ex-cop teaming up with a young man (Mithun Chakraborty) to dismantle a corrupt casino empire. The star-studded cast featured Rekha and Shakti Kapoor, and music was provided by Laxmikant–Pyarelal. Despite its intense plot, this version, too, had a lukewarm reception.
The action thriller Loha came to the silver screen twice, with Dharmendra playing pivotal roles. In 1987, the film, directed by Raj N. Sippy, showcased a gripping rescue mission led by Dharmendra as Inspector Amar. The story revolves around political corruption, betrayal, and the dramatic rescue of hostages. With co-stars Shatrughan Sinha and Amrish Puri, music is given by Laxmikant–Pyarelal, Loha struck a chord with audiences and became a hit.
A decade later, Loha resurfaced in 1997, directed by Kanti Shah. This time, Dharmendra played Shankar, teaming up with Mithun Chakraborty and Shakti Kapoor to take down a criminal empire. Tabun Sutradhar gives the music. While packed with action and drama, this version failed to recreate the earlier success and bombed at the box office.
Dharmendra's third repeat title, Begaana, offers a glimpse into contrasting themes. The 1963 version, directed by Sadashiv Rao Kavi, was a romantic drama about love and loyalty. Dharmendra's portrayal of a devoted husband caught in misunderstandings created by a former lover added depth to the narrative. The melodious music by Sapan Jagmohan elevated the film, though it had limited box office success.
In 1986, Begaana transformed into a revenge drama. Directed by Ambrish Sangal, this iteration explored familial betrayal and vengeance, with Dharmendra as Kailashnath Rana, a smuggler who aids the protagonist in seeking justice. Despite its intriguing premise and dramatic twists, this version failed to leave a mark. Anu Malik gave the music.
Pathar Aur Payal, released in 1974, was an action-packed drama directed by Harmesh Malhotra. Dharmendra played Ranjeet, a bandit striving to leave behind a life of crime. His journey was complicated by betrayal, family conflicts, and love for Aasha (Hema Malini). The film's gripping storyline and Kalyanji-Anandji's music made it a success.
However, the 2000 version of Pathar Aur Payal, directed by K.B. Tilak, failed to recreate the magic. This action drama, involving a dacoit seeking justice against an evil Thakur, lacked the appeal of its predecessor. Despite its intense narrative, it was a box office failure.
