Overview
- The retrospective charts his rise from a 1960 debut to a 1966 breakthrough with Phool Aur Patthar, which earned his first Filmfare nomination.
- It underscores a genre-spanning range with acclaimed drama, deft comedy in Chupke Chupke and Seeta Aur Geeta, and action landmarks that forged his 'He-Man' persona, including Sholay.
- The piece details how Vijayta Films extended his influence by launching Sunny Deol in Betaab (1983) and later uniting the family on screen in Apne and Yamla Pagla Deewana.
- It notes sustained relevance across more than 250 films, culminating in a warmly received turn in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023).
- A companion feature tracks southern remakes of his hits—such as Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, The Burning Train, and attempts considered for Sholay—illustrating enduring, cross-language appeal.