Bollywood icon Dharmendra, affectionately known as ‘He-Man,’ recently passed away at the age of 89. While his cinematic legacy is vast, a lesser-known facet of his life was his foray into politics in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Elected as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament in 2004, Dharmendra secured a significant victory over his Congress opponent. However, his political journey was marked by challenges and a subsequent withdrawal from public service.
Dharmendra’s entry into politics was from the Bikaner constituency. His sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, actively campaigned for him during the 2004 elections. He defeated Rameshwar Lal Dudi of the Congress by a margin of approximately 57,000 votes, a decisive win in his first electoral contest. This period marked his sole direct involvement in electoral politics.
Despite his initial success, Dharmendra’s time as an MP was not without its controversies. Just a year into his term, ‘missing’ posters of the actor-turned-politician began appearing in Bikaner. This public display of discontent stemmed from his perceived absence from the constituency, as he reportedly spent little time there after his election. The public’s frustration was evident, highlighting the disconnect between the elected representative and his constituents.
In response to the growing resentment, Dharmendra made an effort to reconnect with the people of Bikaner. He visited the city and stayed at the Circuit House, engaging with citizens and listening to their grievances without heavy security. He also took a keen interest in local issues, notably advocating for the restoration of Bikaner’s historic Sursagar lake. He initiated discussions with the then-Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and sought central government funding when local budgets proved insufficient. However, the credit for the Sursagar restoration ultimately went to the Chief Minister, leaving Dharmendra’s efforts less recognized by the public.
Dharmendra ultimately found politics unsuited to his temperament and chose not to seek re-election in 2009. He retired from active politics after his five-year term, returning to his film career and life in Mumbai. His wife, Hema Malini, and son, Sunny Deol, have also had political careers, serving as MPs. Dharmendra, however, remained firm in his decision to leave politics, stating that it was not the right path for him.