Dharmendra's unknown facts

It was in the year 1960 that Dharmendra made his film debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. The industry however did not take note of his exceptional good looks and his naturally gifted well-shaped muscular body till he scored a hit with Phool aur Pathar six years later. From then on he became the male sex symbol not just by his masculinity but also by virtue of the romantic image he acquired through the roles he played opposite some of the more lovely leading ladies of the period. By the time he was signed by Ramesh Sippy for Sholay in the early Seventies he had become the heart throb of Hindi film goers and his name in the marquees assured a sustained draw. To an entire generation he represented the handsomeness and virility as well as the chivalry and romantic appeal that won feminine attention and sent hearts aflutter.