Dharmendra’s enduring stardom continues to fascinate fans, and one of the most discussed examples of his peak popularity remains his fee for the 1975 blockbuster Sholay. Even decades later, the numbers reveal just how massive his star power was during Bollywood’s golden era.
Born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in Punjab, the legendary actor went on to become one of Hindi cinema’s most successful and beloved stars. Known as Bollywood’s original He-Man, he headlined more than 300 films over six decades and dominated the industry through the 1960s, 70s and 80s. With hits like Ankhen, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dharam Veer, Pratigya and Hukumat, Dharmendra became the face of mass-appeal entertainment while also earning critical acclaim for performances in Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Samadhi and The Burning Train.
During his peak, Dharmendra was among the highest-paid actors in the industry, reportedly charging between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 15 lakh per film, a huge amount for that time. But his paycheck for Sholay remains the most iconic example of his dominance.
Despite sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan and Amjad Khan, Dharmendra was the highest-paid actor in the film, receiving Rs 1.5 lakh for his role as Veeru. Amitabh Bachchan, by comparison, was paid Rs 1 lakh, while the rest of the cast reportedly earned less than a lakh each — a reflection of Dharmendra’s unmatched box-office draw.
Even today, Dharmendra’s legacy stands tall, not just for the films he delivered but for the level of stardom he achieved — a stardom that continues to command respect across generations.
