Dharmendra’s CRAZY & UNBEATABLE Box Office Run in 1973 & 1987 That No Star Can Ever Match –

Dharmendra's Unbeatable Box Office Records:

With the passing of Dharmendra, Indian cinema has lost one of its most beloved megastars — a legend whose screen presence, star power, and box office stamina remain unmatched. Among his many achievements, one stands out as a record that is virtually impossible to replicate: delivering seven box office hits in a single year, not once but twice — first in 1973 and then again in 1987.

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The Golden Year: Dharmendra in 1973

The year 1973 is widely regarded as the greatest year any Bollywood actor has ever had. Dharmendra had eight theatrical releases, and remarkably, none were flops. Only Blackmail underperformed relative to expectations, yet even that film covered its costs in major circuits. What adds weight to this historic feat is that Dharmendra was the central solo hero in almost all the films. Yaadon Ki Baaraat featured newcomers, but it was Dharmendra’s presence and charisma that powered the film to blockbuster status.

Here’s how the lineup looked in 1973 :

Jugnu – Blockbuster

Yaadon Ki Baaraat – Blockbuster

Loafer – Super Hit

Kahani Kismat Ki – Super Hit

Keemat – Hit

Jheel Ke Us Paar – Hit

Jwar Bhata – Hit

Blackmail – Below Average

Eight releases. Zero disasters. Seven hits — four of them major hits. No other actor in Hindi cinema has ever enjoyed such a dominant year.

Another Peak: Dharmendra in 1987

Most stars experience peak stardom for only a limited period — but Dharmendra did it again 14 years later. In 1987, he delivered another phenomenal run at the box office. The year saw around eleven releases (including delayed projects), and nine of them were commercially successful. The year’s biggest hit, Hukumat, headlined by Dharmendra, emerged as the top-grossing film of 1987 — outperforming even the newer generation’s stars.

His 1987 record stands as:

Hukumat – Blockbuster

Aag Hi Aag – Super Hit

Loha – Hit

Watan Ke Rakhwale – Hit

Insaaniyat Ke Dushman – Hit

Insaaf Kaun Karega – Hit

Dadagiri – Hit

Insaaf Ki Pukaar – Average

Jaan Hatheli Pe – Average (Delayed)

Mera Dharam Mera Karam – Flop (Delayed)

Mard Ki Zubaan – Flop (Extended Cameo)

From 1973 to 1987, Dharmendra proved not just longevity — but invincibility.

A Legacy Etched in Stardom:

In today’s era of fewer theatrical releases and fragmented audiences, Dharmendra’s box office records appear truly untouchable. His superstardom wasn’t defined by one film or one phase — it spanned decades, genres, and generations but being  humble as a person made him bigger than others. Such stars don’t just shine — they define eras. Dharmendra did that twice.

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