Joined For BJP's 'India Shining', Quit Due To 'Emotional Toll': Dharmendra's Short-Lived Political Career

Last Updated:November 24, 2025, 18:24 IST

Veteran actor Dharmendra, who died at 89, tasted immediate electoral success when he joined the BJP in 2004 but did not last long enough in politics to carve out a path for himself

In this photo from March 24, 2004, actor Dharmendra addresses a press conference after joining the BJP in New Delhi. (Image: PTI/File)

An enduring icon of Indian cinema, who defined six decades of Hindi film history, veteran actor Dharmendra’s foray into politics was short-lived yet memorable.

Dharmendra, who died at 89 on Monday, tasted immediate electoral success much like his wife Hema Malini and eldest son Sunny Deol – who won Lok Sabha elections from Mathura and Gurdaspur years later – but did not last long enough in politics to carve out a path for himself. 

He once said famously, mostly offering advice to fellow film personalities: “I won’t say that coming into politics was a mistake but, yes, an actor should not come into politics as it divides the audience and general acceptance among fans. An actor should always remain an actor."

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WHY DID DHARMENDRA JOIN THE BJP?

Inspired by the BJP’s “India Shining" campaign, Dharmendra – the beloved legend of films like Sholay (1975) and Satyakam (1969) entered the political arena in 2004. His entry into the BJP followed meetings with prominent leaders, including LK Advani and Shatrughan Sinha.

He successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004, securing Rajasthan’s Bikaner. His massive popularity was a key factor in his victory.

Drawing on his star power and Punjabi charm, he struck a chord with voters in Rajasthan and defeated the Congress candidate, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, by at least 60,000 votes. This victory secured him a seat as an MP in the 14th Lok Sabha.

WHY DID DHARMENDRA QUIT POLITICS?

But, Dharmendra – a star in his own right – could not keep up with the glamour of political life that quickly faded for him.

He completed his five-year term in 2009 but never contested an election again. But His tenure as an MP faced criticism regarding limited public engagement, minimal attendance in Parliament, and the perception of him as an “absentee" MP, with reports suggesting he often preferred shooting films or staying at his farmhouse. Despite the criticism, supporters insisted he worked sincerely behind the scenes on constituency issues, such as cleaning up Sur Sagar, minimizing school fees, and building bridges. Dharmendra defended his efforts, stating that his office kept him apprised of constituents’ demands.

Dharmendra’s swift departure from active politics stemmed from deep disillusionment and a feeling that the political environment did not suit his nature. His son, Sunny Deol, later shared that his father regretted entering politics. Dharmendra described the experience as emotionally draining and unsuited to his temperament.

He attributed his unhappiness to the inner workings of the system, lamenting the lack of credit for his efforts, stating: “Kaam main karta tha, credit koi aur le jaata tha… Perhaps that place wasn’t for me".

His strongest statements regarding his disillusionment revealed the emotional toll politics had taken. At a public event, he expressed profound regret: “I felt suffocated in politics. I was dragged emotionally into the field. The day I agreed, I went to the washroom and banged my head into the mirror regretting what I had done. Politics is something I never wanted to do".

Even after Dharmendra stepped away, the family maintained its political presence. His wife, Hema Malini, became a three-time MP from Mathura and had previously served as a Rajya Sabha MP. She noted that Dharmendra was initially against her contesting, telling her not to because he found it a “very difficult task" based on his experience.

Despite his own profound unhappiness with politics, Dharmendra supported his son, Sunny Deol, during the 2019 general elections. Dharmendra addressed a rally in Gurdaspur for his son, stressing that he was not a politician and was only there to “speak from the heart, not to give speeches". Sunny Deol won the seat but, much like his father, chose not to return to active politics after completing his term.

(With agency inputs)

News movies Joined For BJP's 'India Shining', Quit Due To 'Emotional Toll': Dharmendra's Short-Lived Political Career