From a loverboy to the rugged “He-Man”, the legendary veteran actor Dharmendra built a filmography that is as quotable as it is vast. His legacy traces back over sixty years, where our beloved “Yamla Pagla Deewana” never failed to entertain us. Across more than 300 films, his lines slipped into everyday speech, turning up in family arguments, political speeches, stand-up sets and internet memes.
Let us go down memory lane to celebrate this stalwart’s legacy and pay homage to his dialogues and line delivery, forever imprinted in our hearts.
Here are the top 10 iconic dialogues that make Dharmendra immortal
“Basanti, in kutton ke samne mat machna” - Sholay (1975)
Dharmendra’s Veeru, tied up and helpless, begs Basanti not to dance before these “dogs,” turning a swaggering insult into a desperate plea to protect her dignity even at the cost of his life.
“Kutte, kamine, main tera khoon pi jaaunga” - Sholay (1975)
Becoming a symbol of raw masculine energy, this dialogue was borne out of sheer hunger for vengeance and anger, showcasing the actor’s charm.
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“Bada aadmi woh nahi hota jiske paas paisa ho, bada aadmi woh hota hai jiske paas dil ho.” - Anpadh (1962)
Dharmendra’s line insists that genuine greatness lies in empathy and moral largeness rather than wealth, spelling out the film’s critique of class and status-obsessed families.
“Jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya.” - Phool aur Patthar (1966)
This delivery marks the point where his street-tough bravado begins to shift into a more responsible courage, redefining the definition of ‘fearless’.
“Hum dosti mein baat karte hain, dushmani mein nahi.” - Yakeen (1969)
A balance of calm and chaos. A warm yet cautionary warning from the man who is setting boundaries with tact.
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“Main sharabi nahi hoon, bas thoda dard pita hoon.” - Sharafat (1970)
A poetic tone to this, Dharmendra expresses how he holds together vulnerability, dignity, and a kind of quiet agreement to live with the pain.
“Na main girta hoon, na mujhe koi gira sakta hai… main insaan hoon, patthar nahi.” - Loafer (1973)
His delivery holds together anger, fatigue, and a quiet plea to be seen as more than just a tough guy, making his resilience feel emotional rather than merely physical.
“Dil bhi hai, dard bhi hai… aur dono ke beech main hoon.” - Dream Girl (1977)
Dharmendra expresses that he is stuck between love and hurt, giving his character a reflective streak that matches the film’s slightly bittersweet theme beneath all the glitz and glamour.
“Mard banne ke liye shareer nahi, himmat chahiye.” - Dharam Veer (1977)
This line cuts through the film’s pageantry of armour and swordplay, telling the youth that true manhood lies in courage and moral backbone.
“Sahab, agar kanoon kuch madad nahi kar sakta, bhagwan ne in banzuyo mein itni taaqat, itni himmat di hain, ki main apna hisaab khud chuka lunga.” - Charas (1976)
When the legal system looks spineless, Dharmendra vows to settle scores with his own two arms, channelling the 1970s vigilante mood where personal justice steps in.
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Now, revisiting those words feels less like celebrating a filmography and more like remembering a presence: a man who made vulnerability look brave, and courage feel human.
