Popularly known as Bollywood`s Action King, actor-producer Dharmendra made his acting debut in the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960). He then appeared in a supporting role in the film Boy Friend (1961). Between 1962 and 1967 he appeared in a number of romantic films like Anpadh (1962), Pooja Ke Phool (1964) and Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966). He also got a foothold in the action genre with Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971). His other notable performances came in films like Sholay (1975) and Ghazab (1982).

In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution in Hindi cinema. His more recent outings are Apne (2007), Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013) and Jatt Pardesi (2014). His other projects include Second Hand Husband (2015), Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se (2018) and Jora: The Second Chapter (2020). He then featured in the Karan Johar directorial Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).