The Chetak Screen Awards took place in Mumbai on Sunday evening, where the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded posthumously to the legendary actor Dharmendra, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the film industry over a career that spanned more than sixty years. The accolade was presented by prominent figures including Javed Akhtar, Ramesh Sippy, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with the award being accepted on behalf of Dharmendra by his son, Bobby Deol.
As part of the tribute, a video montage featuring Dharmendra’s memorable moments was showcased, accompanied by Amitabh Bachchan reciting excerpts from Dharmendra’s poetry.
During the ceremony, Javed Akhtar shared nostalgic memories of the veteran actor, stating, “We are gathered here for a task that feels nearly insurmountable. Writers work with words, yet sometimes they fall short. Today is one of those instances, so I will refrain from stating the obvious. I won’t mention that he was perhaps the most handsome actor in cinematic history or that he was incredibly versatile, excelling as both a He-Man and a sensitive poet, professor, or doctor. I won’t even discuss the length of his illustrious 65-year career, during which he remained relevant every single day.”
Akhtar further reminisced about his first encounter with Dharmendra at the age of twenty, recalling, “I met him in 1965 while working as an assistant director, earning a mere Rs 175. When introduced to him, I was taken aback by the warmth of his handshake. As an assistant director, I had applauded many of his performances and even penned scripts for his films. He once called upon me to help write the script for his son’s debut film, ‘Betaab’.”
He continued, “Our relationship was long and rich, and it’s remarkable how much affection he extended to me, which I believe he shared with countless others. Successful individuals earn respect and admiration, but Dharmendra was genuinely loved by the entire film community. He embodied dignity and humility in a unique blend, making it easy for those who met him to be drawn to him. I thank you all for honoring him today.”
With visible emotion, Bobby Deol expressed his thoughts on his father’s legacy as he accepted the award. He stated, “I see the love for my father reflected in all of your eyes. His work and social media presence touched your hearts without him even knowing you. He embraced Instagram reels as a new hobby, always wishing for everyone’s happiness. He believed we all possess unique gifts, and if we recognize them, we can achieve anything. That’s why he dedicated so many years to this industry.”
Bobby added, “My father experienced both highs and lows, yet he never wavered. The love I receive from people is a testament to how he opened hearts for my brother and me. People’s affection for him translates into acceptance for us. I wish I could go home and tell him that I received this award in his honor. I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to God for being his son. Thank you, SCREEN. Papa, you are the best.”
Dharmendra, who had a prolific film career with over 300 movies, was a stalwart of Hindi cinema. He remained a beloved figure throughout the 1960s and 1970s, even as superstars like Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan gained massive popularity.
Born in 1935 in a village in Punjab’s Ludhiana district to a schoolteacher, Dharmendra’s cinematic journey began after he won a talent contest organized by a film magazine. His debut film was ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ (1960), but it was ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’ (1961) that marked his breakthrough. He delivered some of his most acclaimed performances in ‘Anupama’ (1966) and ‘Satyakam’ (1969), both directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
The 1970s were pivotal for Dharmendra, during which he starred in numerous hit films such as ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat,’ ‘Pratigya,’ ‘Chupke Chupke,’ ‘Dream Girl,’ ‘Dharam Veer,’ and ‘Seeta Aur Geeta.’ By the time he starred in the legendary ‘Sholay’ (1975), he had firmly established himself as the iconic “He-Man” of Hindi cinema.
In his later years, Dharmendra ventured briefly into politics, contesting the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner in Rajasthan, where he served as a Member of Parliament until 2009. Although he stepped away from politics, he continued to act in films, making notable appearances in productions such as ‘Life in a Metro,’ ‘Johnny Gaddaar,’ and ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.’ His final film, ‘Ikkis,’ marked a distinguished end to his illustrious career, as he passed away in November of the previous year.
Dharmendra is survived by his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, daughters Ajeeta and Vijayta, as well as Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. He is also remembered by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and his second wife, Hema Malini.
The Screen Awards, established by The Indian Express Group, are among the most esteemed film awards in the country, emphasizing excellence, integrity, and peer recognition. For the 2026 ceremony, nominations and winners were determined by the Screen Academy, an independent, non-profit organization composed of 53 filmmakers, artists, and cultural practitioners, which highlights the transparency and credibility of the selection process.
The event was hosted by Alia Bhatt, alongside stand-up comedian Zakir Khan, actor Sunil Grover, and journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, who is the Editor for Hindi at The Indian Express.
Viewers can catch the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 live on YouTube, Sony Entertainment Television, and Sony LIV.
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