Who gave the name ‘He-Man’ to Dharmendra, how did a shirtless picture create history?

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The credit for Dharmendra getting the name He-Man goes to the 1966 film Phool Aur Paththar.

Dharmendra, who was called the He-Man of Bollywood, is no more. He breathed his last at the age of 89. Family members reached Vile Parle cremation ground in Mumbai. Film director Karan Johar has shared a post related to his death on his social media. Karan Johar wrote, “It’s the end of an era… a huge mega star… the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome. Dharmendra is called the He-Man of Bollywood. He didn’t get this name just like that. There was a reason behind it.

The credit for getting this name goes to the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar. In this film, Dharmendra did a scene in which he took off his shirt. His shirtless pictures took him to a new level of popularity. He got recognition as an action hero from this film. His muscular body shaped his He-Man image.

Who gave the name He-Man?

Now the question arises that who gave the name Heiman to Dharmendra? The answer to this is his popularity after that film.After the film, her pictures and fit body started being discussed in magazines. He started being called the best action hero of his era. Hindi film industry and media gave him this name. This name started being used very fast in news related to Dharmendra. Then his action scenes in successive films confirmed it. After this Dharmendra started being called the He-Man of Bollywood.

O.P. Ralhan’s 1966 action film “Phool Aur Patthar” proved to be a big hit. This film changed Dharmendra’s life. After this film, he got a big fan following among women because he was the first star to go shirtless. And, when the scope of earning increased, Dharmendra bought a Fiat car and he had a special motive behind it.

Shirtless Dharmendra In 1966 Film Phool Aur Patthar

Shirtless Dharmendra in a scene from the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar.

His brother had suggested him to buy a better car than Fiat, but Dharmendra had told his brother, “I don’t trust this industry, if I don’t get work, I will make a Fiat taxi and then I will struggle.” Dharmendra was aware of the responsibility from the beginning, although that day never came and he continued to cross the steps of success.

Dharmendra spent more than six decades in the film industry and was equally loved for his action films, comedy dramas and romantic stories. For his contribution to Hindi cinema, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan Award in 2012, the Award for Best Contribution to Indian Cinema in 2004 and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

Also read: Why Guru Tegh Bahadur is called ‘Hind di Chadar’, how he became the 9th Guru

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