As India mourns the passing of cinematic icon Dharmendra, renewed attention has turned to a less-discussed chapter of his life — his unexpected entry into national politics and the short-lived parliamentary career that added a surprising dimension to the superstar’s public persona.
Dharmendra, adored across generations for his charismatic screen presence, made a dramatic shift in 2004 when he embraced electoral politics and contested the Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner, Rajasthan, on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. The move puzzled many at the time, but within weeks it became clear that the actor’s grassroots popularity was not confined to film theatres alone.
Travelling across the arid landscapes of Bikaner, Dharmendra drew massive gatherings, not with heavyweight political rhetoric, but through a disarming simplicity that often overshadowed seasoned campaigners. His speeches were unpolished yet passionate, and his celebrity appeal translated into real votes, securing him a comfortable victory over Congress candidate Rameshwar Lal Dudi. For the BJP, it was one of the standout wins in an election where the party ultimately fell short nationally.
Once in Parliament, Dharmendra largely remained a low-profile MP, far removed from the theatrics of his film roles. His tenure was marked by limited participation, but voters remembered his humility and his effort to connect with local concerns. By the end of his term in 2009, he quietly stepped back from politics, choosing not to contest again. A year later, he publicly admitted that political life had never truly suited him — a rare moment of candour that reflected his discomfort with the combative world of public office.
With his passing, political leaders across party lines highlighted not just his cinematic brilliance but also his brief experiment with democratic service. President Droupadi Murmu honoured him as a “towering figure” whose impact extended beyond cinema, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his death as “the end of an era,” acknowledging his warmth, simplicity and enduring bond with the people.
