MUMBAI: The he-man's fans are in for a sweet surprise next week.

It was in 1958, a dashing young man from Punjab queued up in Mumbai for a talent hunt. Amidst the host of aspiring faces, his effortless flamboyance was unmatchable. Producer Arjun Hingorani spotted the talent and thus began the journey of the evergreen, Dharmendra.

Zee Classic, with its brand promise of Woh Zamana Kare Deewana, celebrates the legend’s 81st birthday with a week-long festival titled ‘Dashing Dharmendra’, from 5 to 9 December, Monday to Friday, at 10am.

The festival kicks off with superhit action drama ‘Ram Balram’ on 5 December also starring Amitabh Bachchan. Directed by Vijay Anand, this film has Dharmendra playing a smuggler stirring up the world of black market which brings him to a collision with his long lost brother, a cop. Next in line follows ‘Katilon Ke Katil’ on 6 December starring Dharmendra with Rishi Kapoor. Based on a mother’s equation with her two sons, this film was directed and produced by Arjun Hingorani who was fixated with casting Dharmendra in all his ventures.

The line-up continues with ‘Raaj Tilak’ on 7 December. An ensemble cast including Sunil Dutt, Raj Kumar, Pran, Hema Malini and Kamaal Hassan, Dharmendra played a royal heir fighting for his throne in this epic period drama. ‘Sultanat’, starring father-son duo Dharmendra and Sunny Deol airs next on 8 December. Their first outing together, Dharmendra is pitted against his own son here, both plotting to kill each other for revenge. Concluding the festival on 9 December airs ‘Zalzala’, an action drama. Here, Dharmendra plays a commoner in search of a hidden treasure also hunted by a host of villains.

Once referred to as the most good looking man on showbiz, Dharmendra has portrayed every conceivable role in every imaginable genre in his career spanning over five decades. Such was the inimitable charm of this gentleman. An ardent fan of his, actress Jaya Bachchan once said “Dharmendra was God to me and he still is.” Zee Classic wishes him a wonderful Birthday and a long life ahead.