Dharmendra is a celebrated personality in the film industry who has delighted viewers with numerous hit films throughout his 60-year career. Films like Sholay and Chupke Chupke serve as successful examples. He is also a producer, and politician who is primarily known for his work in Hindi films. Dharmendra is widely considered one of the greatest, most handsome and commercially successful film stars in the history of Indian cinema. He delivered eight hits and in 1987, Dharmendra delivered seven consecutive hits and nine successful movies in a single year which is still a record in the history of Hindi cinema. In 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour. The 88-year-old actor has also pursued opportunities in Hollywood and, throughout his remarkable career, he has participated in an English film production.
Dharmendra began his acting career in 1960 with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum directed by Arjun Hingorani. Right from the start, he showcased his ability in acting. Every performer aspires to find success in both Bollywood and Hollywood, and in 1978, Dharmendra's dream came true with director Krishna Shah's film Shalimar. This action thriller featured a Hindi-English ensemble, embodying both Bollywood and Hollywood. It starred English film icons such as Sir Rex Harrison, John Saxon, and Shalvia Miles.
Along with Hindi cinema, Shalimar was also adapted in Hollywood. The movie debuted with the title Raiders of the Sacred Stone. The main cast mostly stayed the same. As it was also launched in Hollywood, it is recognized as Dharmendra's first English film. However, it failed in Hindi cinema but it became a hit in Hollywood.
