This 60-Year-Old Film Featured Dharmendra as a Villain for the First Time And Became a Blockbuster
Dharmendra First Villain Role in Ayee Milan Ki Bela 1964 Bollywood Blockbuster
Discover how Dharmendra played his first villain role in the 1964 blockbuster Ayee Milan Ki Bela. Learn about his performance, movie success, and iconic Bollywood legacy.
Bollywood legend Dharmendra, famously called the He-Man of Hindi cinema, stunned fans when he played a villain for the first time in the classic 1964 film Ayee Milan Ki Bela. Known for his heroic and romantic roles, this bold choice showcased his versatility and became a defining moment in his illustrious career.
The Hero Turns Villain
Before this movie, Dharmendra was admired for his charm, action sequences, and romantic hero roles. In Ayee Milan Ki Bela, he played Ranjit, a character fueled by jealousy and ambition. Acting alongside Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu, Dharmendra portrayed the darker shades of human emotion, balancing menace with relatability. Fans were amazed to see him step away from his usual image and embrace a complex antagonist.
Blockbuster Success
Released in 1964, Ayee Milan Ki Bela became a massive box office hit. Its music, composed by Shankar–Jaikishan, featured evergreen songs such as “O Sanam Tere Ho Gaye Hum” and “Main Pyar Ka Diwana”. The romantic chemistry of the lead pair combined with Dharmendra’s intense performance made the film an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The movie ran for weeks in packed theaters and solidified Dharmendra’s status as a versatile actor who could handle both hero and villain roles with ease.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy
Critics praised Dharmendra’s portrayal for its emotional depth and nuance. Playing a negative character was risky in the 1960s when actors were often typecast. Yet, Dharmendra’s performance as Ranjit was widely appreciated, proving that he could transcend traditional hero roles and explore complex characters.
This film laid the foundation for his later career, where he seamlessly balanced romantic, action, and occasional negative roles, earning respect from filmmakers and fans alike.
Dharmendra Looks Back
Years later, Dharmendra reflected on the role, saying:
“It was challenging to play someone so different from myself, but that experience gave me the confidence to take on every kind of role in my career.”
This statement reflects why Dharmendra remains one of Bollywood’s most admired and versatile actors.
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