It’s hard to believe that the legendary actor Dharmendra is no longer with us. The veteran star, fondly known as Bollywood’s He-Man, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. With unforgettable performances in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Haqeeqat, Seeta Aur Geeta, and The Burning Train, his filmography is filled with iconic roles. At the same time, there were several popular films that the versatile actor almost starred in but ultimately didn’t. Here’s a look at five such classics.
Waqt (1965)
Shaan isn’t the only multi-starrer on this list that Dharmendra reportedly passed on. According to a TOI report, the veteran actor was also offered a role in Yash Chopra’s immensely popular 1965 ensemble drama Waqt. Had he been a part of the film, it would have added yet another major classic to his already distinguished career.
Din Hai Bahar Ke, Tere Mere Iqraar Ke…. Sharmila Tagore with Shashi Kapoor in multi-starrer Waqt (1965)#sharmilatagore #shashikapoor #60s #bollywoodflashback pic.twitter.com/RQAlAJDZg4
— Movies N Memories (@BombayBasanti) November 21, 2024
Anand (1971)
While it’s difficult to imagine anyone other than Rajesh Khanna in the lead role of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s heartrending drama Anand, Dharmendra’s versatility makes it easy to believe he would have delivered a remarkable performance. As reported by NDTV, Mukherjee had initially narrated the story of Anand to Dharmendra, but the role eventually went to Rajesh Khanna. The actor-director duo Dharmendra and Hrishikesh Mukherjee had collaborated in Anupama (1966), Satyakam (1969), Guddi (1971), and Chupke Chupke (1975).
Anand(1971) is a classic bollywood movie—much better than the movies are being made today. This movie talks about living every moments of life with joy, laughter and happiness. When death comes everyone has to die. The only thing you can do is to enjoy every seconds of your life. pic.twitter.com/l0B5ewnqfl
— Sumit ☕ (@sumitthinkssm) June 18, 2025
Zanjeer (1973)
Prakash Mehra’s 1973 action crime drama Zanjeer is often referred to as the film that was the turning point in legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan’s career. Before Amitabh Bachchan took on the role of the angry young cop Vijay, the lead role was reportedly (via TOI) first offered to his Sholay co-star Dharmendra. However, he couldn’t do it for some reason.
– Zanjeer / ”ज़ंजीर” (1973)
”A landmark Hindi action crime film directed by Prakash Mehra and written by Salim–Javed. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Pran, Ajit Khan, and Bindu, the film introduced the “angry young man” persona that redefined Bollywood.” https://t.co/HAWfQOsetN pic.twitter.com/NGbgTcAOyb
— felipe (@rssfdv) November 15, 2025
Don (1978)
Chandra Barot’s deftly executed 1978 action thriller Don was another Amitabh Bachchan film that went on to achieve iconic status among cinephiles, and it was reportedly first offered to Dharmendra (via TOI). However, the actor turned down the role for some reason. Had he accepted it, Don would have been yet another remarkable addition to his illustrious career.
Don (1978) is the pinnacle of Bachchan coolth
Take almost any random scene, even the most static of scenes from Chandra Barot’s snazzy action thriller and you’ll find it unmistakably chic and dripping with style. Almost 50 years later, Don remains a primary purveyor of joy for… pic.twitter.com/ME1UM4j1ci
— Love of Cinema (@loveofcinemasf8) July 20, 2025
Shaan (1980)
Ramesh Sippy’s action thriller, released five years after his cult classic Sholay, featured an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Sunil Dutt, and Shatrughan Sinha. According to a report by News18, Dharmendra was originally supposed to play the role of Ravi, a charming conman and the brother of Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan). This part was eventually portrayed by Shashi Kapoor.
Pyar Karnewale Pyar Karte Hain Shaan Se…. #Bindu #AmitabhBachchan #ShashiKapoor #ParveenBabi #BindiyaGoswani #JohnnyWalker in Ramesh Sippy’s Shaan (1980) pic.twitter.com/ZTVABR2i1L
— Movies N Memories (@BombayBasanti) April 20, 2025
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