At 89, Dharmendra Deol lies hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, ventilator-supported after a sudden health crisis—yet his legacy towers higher than ever. Once paid just ₹51 for his debut film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, the man who became Bollywood’s original ‘He-Man’ now presides over an empire estimated between ₹335 crore and ₹500 crore. The contradiction isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in the story: a farmer’s son from Punjab who built a dynasty on sweat, charm, and unshakable grit.
From ₹51 to ₹500 Crore: The Rise of a Legend
Dharmendra didn’t start with limousines or luxury. He started with a split salary—₹51, divided among three producers—for a film no one remembered. Yet over six decades, he appeared in more than 300 movies. Sholay made him immortal. Chupke Chupke made him beloved. Phool Aur Patthar cemented his image as the rugged, righteous hero. But here’s the twist: his wealth wasn’t just from acting. It was from building.
In 1993, he launched Vijayta Films, not just to produce his sons’ films—Betab, Barsaat, and later his grandson Karan Deol’s Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas—but to control his own narrative. He didn’t wait for studios. He became the studio.
The Real Estate Crown Jewel: A 100-Acre Farm in Lonavala
His most valuable asset? Not a car, not a stock portfolio. It’s a 100-acre farmhouse in Lonavala, Maharashtra, valued at ₹120 crore by Aaj Tak. Think: organic crops, a swimming pool, an aqua therapy unit, and daily videos of him tending to his land posted on Instagram. He doesn’t live in a penthouse. He lives in the soil. That farmhouse? It’s his sanctuary, his brand, his protest against the glamour machine.
He also owns additional property in Maharashtra worth ₹17 crore, according to Prabhat Khabar and Amar Ujala. And while others chase penthouses, he chases tomatoes.
Business Beyond the Screen: Dhabas, Cars, and Endorsements
Dharmendra didn’t stop at films. He opened Garam Dharam Dhaba, a chain of roadside eateries across North India—rustic, loud, and unmistakably his. There’s also He-Man, a restaurant on the Karnal highway, named after his most iconic screen persona. He didn’t just license his name—he lived it.
His garage? A Range Rover Evoque and a Mercedes-Benz SL500. Not for show. For comfort. He’s 89. He drives himself.
Brand endorsements? He’s done them—think steel utensils, hair oil, even a popular tea brand—but never overdone. He picks what he believes in. That’s why people still trust him.
Family, Politics, and the Legacy Machine
He’s married to Hema Malini, the Dream Girl of Bollywood. Together, they’ve raised six children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and three others. Thirteen grandchildren. A dynasty.
He served as a Member of Parliament from 1998 to 2004, representing Bikaner. He didn’t just play the hero on screen—he stepped into the role in real life. No grand speeches. Just quiet, consistent presence.
The Unanswered Question: Why the Net Worth Discrepancy?
Here’s the odd part: no one agrees on how rich he is. Jansatta.com says ₹500 crore. NDTV and Amar Ujala say ₹335 crore. ABP Live and Aaj Tak land at ₹450 crore. Why the chaos?
Because Dharmendra doesn’t disclose. He doesn’t need to. His wealth isn’t in balance sheets—it’s in influence. His films still stream. His dhabas still serve dal. His grandchildren are now actors. His name still opens doors.
And here’s what no one talks about: he’s still working. His next film, Ikkees, drops December 25, 2025. It stars Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Augustya Nanda. Dharmendra? He’s not just acting—he’s mentoring. Again.
What Happens Now?
As celebrities flood Breach Candy Hospital—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, Riteish Deshmukh—he’s surrounded by love. But behind the scenes, the question lingers: who will inherit his empire?
His sons run Vijayta Films. His grandchildren are stepping in. But the farmhouse? That’s his. And he’s not ready to let go.
He’s not retiring. He’s farming. He’s filming. He’s living.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Dharmendra build his wealth beyond acting?
Dharmendra expanded his income through Vijayta Films, which he founded in 1993 to produce his sons’ and grandson’s movies. He also launched the Garam Dharam Dhaba restaurant chain and owns a high-value 100-acre farmhouse in Lonavala, valued at ₹120 crore. His real estate holdings in Maharashtra and luxury vehicles add further value, while long-term brand endorsements contributed steady income without overexposure.
Why are there conflicting reports about his net worth?
The discrepancies stem from Dharmendra’s private financial habits—he rarely discloses asset details. Media outlets estimate based on property valuations, film royalties, and business performance, but without official statements, figures range from ₹335 crore to ₹500 crore. Analysts suggest the ₹450 crore mark is most plausible, combining real estate, production income, and residual earnings.
What role does his Lonavala farmhouse play in his life today?
The 100-acre farmhouse isn’t just an asset—it’s his identity. He lives there full-time, posts daily farming videos on social media, and avoids city life despite his fame. It’s where he recharges, connects with nature, and even films scenes for his upcoming projects. Valued at ₹120 crore, it’s the physical anchor of his legacy, far more meaningful than any award or salary.
How is his family continuing his legacy?
His sons Sunny and Bobby Deol continue acting and producing under Vijayta Films, while his grandson Karan Deol debuted with a film produced by Dharmendra. His new movie, Ikkees, features Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Augustya Nanda, signaling a generational handover. The family maintains his values—simple living, strong work ethic, and loyalty to roots—ensuring his influence extends beyond the screen.
Is Dharmendra still active in the film industry?
Yes. Despite his hospitalization, his upcoming film Ikkees is set for release on December 25, 2025. He’s not just acting—he’s mentoring younger actors and shaping the film’s direction. At 89, he remains one of the few Bollywood icons who still works actively, proving age doesn’t define relevance when passion and discipline are in play.
What makes Dharmendra different from other wealthy Bollywood stars?
Unlike many who retreat into luxury or global real estate, Dharmendra stays grounded. He lives on a farm, drives his own car, and avoids flashy displays of wealth. His net worth isn’t flaunted—it’s earned quietly, reinvested in family and land. He’s not a celebrity investor. He’s a farmer-actor who turned resilience into empire, making his legacy feel human, not Hollywood.
