Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Dharmendra: The Actor Paid Spot Boys On 'Sholay' Sets To Spoil His Shots; Know Why

The actor played Veeru in 'Sholay', one of the film's lead characters.

During his peak - especially in the 70s - Dharmendra was nicknamed the "He-Man" of Bollywood. That was because of his insane machismo on the screen, which later earned him the moniker, "Garam Dharam". However, beyond his image as an action star, he was (still is though) also very romantic, both on and off-screen. And as it goes without saying, that was particularly evident in his films with Hema Malini - the Dream Girl of Bollywood - whom he married in 1980. The two acted together in 28 films, including blockbusters like 'Tum Haseen Main Jawan', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', 'Patthar Aur Payal', 'Sholay', 'Apna Khoon', and 'Dillagi'. In 'Sholay' (1975), the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time, their chemistry was so good that it continues to leave us in awe!

(Credit: Movies N Memories)

Born on December 8, 1935, Dharmendra celebrates his 89th birthday today. On this occasion, we share an interesting fact about him and Hema Malini from 'Sholay' that you didn't know.

Dharmendra Paid Spot Boys On 'Sholay' Sets To Spoil His Shots

Dharmendra and Hema Malini first met each other during the shoot of 'Tum Haseen Main Jawan' (1970). They started dating soon after (when the actor was already married to Prakash Kaur and had 4 children) and went on to star together in several films.

(Credit: Film History Pics)

While filming romantic scenes in 'Sholay', the two reached the peak of their dating phase. And if reports are to be believed, Dharmendra used to pay spot boys to spoil his shots, so that he would get more time with her. During the shoot of the scene where Veeru teaches Basanti (Hema Ji's character) how to use a revolver, he paid the light boys Rs 20 every time they would make a mistake, so that he could hug her again and again. Well, he ended up paying over Rs 2000 for the same.

(Credit: NH Studioz)

Later, when Hema Ji came to know about the same, she was very impressed.

The Eternal Love Story Of Dharmendra & Hema Malini

As already mentioned, Dharmendra and Hema Malini first crossed each other's paths in 1970 on the sets of 'Tu Haseen Main Jawaan'. By the end of the shoot, they realized that love had blossomed between them.

However, as Dharmendra was already married and had four kids, their love story faced its share of challenges. Hema Ji's father didn't approve of this relationship, and society intervened as well. Moreover, the actor's first wife Prakash didn't agree to a divorce.

But as you know, love is stronger than all the obstacles, no matter how big, in the world. The two lovebirds were so determined to stay together that they went on to fight every odd, and eventually won. In fact, Dharmendra converted to Islam to marry Hema Ji. Finally, in 1980, they tied the knot in an Iyengar-style wedding ceremony. They welcomed their elder daughter, Esha Deol, on November 2, 1981, and their second daughter, Ahana Deol, on July 28, 1985.

Some Interesting Facts To Know

Dharmendra actually wanted to play Thakur (eventually played by Sanjeev Kumar) in 'Sholay'. However, director Ramesh Sippy didn't agree to that.

During the 70s and 80s, Hema Malini was the "Dream Girl" of millions of men across India, including many in B-town. In fact, actors Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra were her deep admirers. During the making of "Sholay', Sanjeev Kumar was reportedly vying with Dharmendra for her affection.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Dharmendra. Thanks For All The Amazing Films!