Veteran actor Satyajeet Puri has shared an incredible story from the golden era of Bollywood, recalling how legendary superstar Dharmendra once stood his ground fearlessly against members of the underworld. In an era when the film industry was heavily influenced by gangsters and extortion rackets, Dharmendra’s courage and unshakable attitude made him one of the few stars who dared to push back — quite literally.
During an interview, Satyajeet reminisced about the tense and dangerous atmosphere of the 1970s and 1980s, a period when the underworld had begun infiltrating the film business. Many actors, filmmakers, and producers were often threatened or coerced by criminal groups who tried to control the industry through fear. But, as Satyajeet revealed, Dharmendra was never the one to bow down.
“Back in those days, everyone in the film industry was scared of the underworld. Calls would come in, threats were made, and people paid money out of fear. But Dharmendra ji was different. He looked them straight in the eye and said, ‘Tumhare paas das aadmi hain, mere paas poori fauj hai (You have ten men, I have an army),’” Puri recalled.
Dharmendra: The Epitome of On-Screen and Off-Screen Heroism
Satyajeet, who worked with Dharmendra in several films, shared that the actor’s real-life personality mirrored his reel-life image — bold, strong, and unyielding. “The Dharmendra you see on screen — the man who fights injustice and protects others — that’s exactly who he was in real life. He didn’t fear anyone. He had a presence that commanded respect, even from those who tried to intimidate him,” Satyajeet added.
He further described how Dharmendra’s calm but commanding demeanor often diffused situations before they could escalate. “He was never aggressive for no reason, but when he spoke, people listened. The underworld members quickly realized he wasn’t someone they could scare or manipulate,” Puri said.
The Dark Era of Bollywood’s Underworld Connection
The late 70s and 80s were a turbulent time for Bollywood. The rise of the Mumbai underworld saw several film personalities being forced to pay protection money or comply with demands regarding casting and business decisions. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and others have also indirectly faced such pressures during those years.
According to Satyajeet, Dharmendra’s strong moral compass and his loyalty to his colleagues made him a protector figure for many in the industry. “He didn’t just stand up for himself — he stood up for others too. If someone was being threatened or bullied, Dharam ji would intervene. People in the industry respected him deeply because they knew he was fearless but fair,” he explained.
Dharmendra’s Legacy of Courage and Integrity
Known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, Dharmendra built his career not just on his good looks and powerful screen presence but also on his integrity and courage. From Sholay to Phool Aur Patthar, he became a symbol of strength and honor, both in cinema and in real life.
Satyajeet noted that Dharmendra’s defiance sent a strong message at a time when others were too afraid to take a stand. “That one line — ‘You have ten men, I have an army’ — wasn’t just bravado. It reflected his confidence in his own people, his crew, his friends, and his belief that righteousness always wins. That’s why he’s still admired today,” he said.
Fans React to Dharmendra’s Grit
After Satyajeet Puri’s story resurfaced, fans across social media began celebrating Dharmendra’s courage, calling him the true “Lion of Bollywood.” Many shared old clips of the actor from his action films, saying his real-life bravery matched his on-screen persona. Comments like “Real hero, not just reel hero” and “Dharam paaji was built different” flooded fan pages.
A Timeless Hero
Even today, at over 85 years old, Dharmendra remains one of Bollywood’s most loved and respected stars. His humility, kindness, and unwavering moral strength continue to inspire generations of actors and fans alike. Stories like these only reinforce why Dharmendra’s name is etched in the history of Indian cinema — not just as a superstar, but as a man of integrity and immense courage.
As Satyajeet summed it up perfectly: “There will never be another Dharmendra. He wasn’t just an actor — he was a force of nature, both on and off the screen.”
