Few stars could command the screen like Dharmendra. Whether raging against injustice, wooing with poetry or laughing with boyish mischief, the megastar’s words carried warmth, conviction and charisma. Here are 10 of his most unforgettable lines that continue to echo across generations.
1. “Kutte kamīne… main tera khoon pee jaoonga.”
From Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), this thunderous declaration became synonymous with righteous rage and revenge. Few could combine fury and flair the way Dharmendra did.
2. “Basanti… in kutton ke saamne mat naachna.”
Perhaps one of the most quoted lines in Indian film history, from Sholay (1975). Said to Hema Malini’s Basanti, it reflects a mix of protectiveness, passion and helplessness — a line that defined an era.
3. “Ek ek ko chun-chun ke maaroon ga… chun-chun ke maaroon ga.”
Also from Sholay, this dialogue carried the full weight of Jai-Veeru’s defiance and Dharam’s seething energy. His delivery was pure electricity — equal parts bravado and heartbreak.
4. “Mard ka khoon aur aurat ke aansoon, jab tak na bahe… unki keemat nahi lagayi ja sakti.”
From Dharam Veer (1977), this poetic line reminded viewers of his ability to convey deep emotion without losing his trademark masculine dignity. It’s both chivalrous and philosophical.
5. “Main paththar hoon, kisi devi ka murti nahin…”
In Phool Aur Patthar (1966), this dialogue underlined the film’s theme — a hardened man discovering tenderness. It marked one of the earliest glimpses of Dharmendra’s emotional range.
6. “Zindagi bilkul in barf ki reshu ki tarah hi toh hai… pal bhar ke liye thaherti hai aur pighal jaati hai… par kambhakt jitni der rehti hai, badi khoobsurat lagti hai.”
From Apne (2007), this line is a quiet meditation on life’s transience — far removed from his early firebrand image, showing the reflective artist he became in later years.
7. “Oye, illaka kutton ka hota hai… sher ka nahin.”
In Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Dharmendra brought back his famous intensity with a wink. It’s an entertaining reminder that the lion in him never grew old.
8. “Sachai par chalne waala insaan… waqt aane par gundon se kahin zyada khatarnak ban jaata hai.”
From Dost (1974), this line reflects the quiet moral conviction he often portrayed — a man of action, but more importantly, a man of principle.
9. “Kabhi zameen se baat ki hai, Thakur? Ye zameen hamari maa hai.”
From Ghulami (1985), this dialogue captures the earthy gravitas that Dharmendra could summon with ease. It speaks of justice, dignity, and his connection to the soil — themes close to his heart.
10. “Ye duniya bahut badi hai, apna shikaar khud maarna sikho.”
From Loafer (1973), this line encapsulates his everyman philosophy — tough, self-reliant, yet deeply humane. A motto for life as much as for cinema.
