Dharmendra once faced the underworld fearlessly, recalls Satyajeet Puri

Actor-director Satyajeet Puri recently opened up about a little-known incident from Bollywood’s turbulent past, revealing how veteran superstar Dharmendra fearlessly confronted the underworld during its height of influence in the Hindi film industry.

In a candid conversation with Friday Talkies, Puri recalled an era when the Mumbai underworld had a firm grip over Bollywood, often intimidating filmmakers and actors. “At that time, the underworld was very strong. Many actors would get scared if they were summoned,” he said. “But Dharamji and his family never feared them. He would tell them, ‘If you come, the whole Sahnewal will come from Punjab. You have 10 people, but I have an army. One word from me and trucks full of people will come from Punjab to fight. Don’t mess with me.’ And they never did.”

Puri described Dharmendra’s courage as an embodiment of his real-life persona — a man known not only for his on-screen heroism but also for his unwavering principles off-screen. The actor’s straightforward, fearless attitude earned him immense respect among peers and fans alike, long before the term “Bollywood macho hero” became popular.

The son of veteran actor Satyen Puri, Satyajeet began his career as a child artist and grew up around some of Bollywood’s most influential figures. Over the decades, he appeared in a range of films spanning intense dramas and commercial hits. Puri has also ventured into direction and production, further solidifying his legacy in the Hindi film industry.

His bond with Dharmendra extends beyond admiration. The two have shared screen space in several memorable projects including Rajput (1982), Betaab (1983), Taqdeer Ka Badshah (1982), Batwara, and Izzatdaar (1990). Puri credits Dharmendra not just as a co-star but as an inspiration who personified humility, strength, and loyalty — both on and off the screen.

Even at 89, Dharmendra continues to make his presence felt in Bollywood. He was last seen in Amit Joshi’s romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, alongside Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Dimple Kapadia, and Rakesh Bedi. In 2023, he made a celebrated comeback in Karan Johar’s family drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, co-starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. His emotional performance and charming screen presence were widely appreciated, proving that age has done little to dim the original “He-Man” of Indian cinema.

Dharmendra is now gearing up for his next big project — Sriram Raghavan’s war biopic Ikkis (2025). The film reunites him with the acclaimed filmmaker after their earlier collaboration in Johnny Gaddaar. Ikkis tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, who displayed extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and sacrificed his life at just 21. The film, starring Agastya Nanda, is scheduled for a December 2025 theatrical release.

Satyajeet Puri’s recollection reaffirms why Dharmendra remains one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and respected icons. Whether through his commanding performances or his real-life courage, he has consistently embodied the fearless, larger-than-life hero that millions admire — a man whose strength, both physical and moral, continues to inspire generations.