When the mention of Superman comes up, names like Christopher Reeve, Henry Cavill, or more recently, David Corenswet, usually flood our minds. However, Indian cinema enthusiasts have a unique, lesser-known connection to the iconic superhero through none other than the legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra. In a 1987 Bollywood adaptation of the famed superhero saga, Dharmendra portrayed Superman’s biological father — a role that has etched a curious chapter in his extensive filmography.
The 1987 Bollywood ‘Superman’ and Dharmendra’s Role
Long before Hollywood’s various reboots brought Superman to new generations, Indian filmmaker B. Gupta took on the ambitious challenge of bringing the superhero’s world to Bollywood audiences. The movie, titled simply Superman (1987), sought to capture the magic of the original while tailoring it for the Indian film-viewing experience.
In this adaptation, Puneet Issar, widely recognized later for his role as Duryodhana in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata, donned the Superman costume. Dharmendra, known fondly as Bollywood’s “He-Man” for his commanding screen presence and rugged persona, played a pivotal but nuanced role: he was cast as Superman’s biological father, a character inspired by the original Jor-El from the comics and Hollywood films.
Adding further depth, veteran actor Ashok Kumar portrayed Superman’s foster father, echoing the figure of Jonathan Kent. This casting provided a familial grounding to the superhero’s origin story, lending the Bollywood version a distinct emotional layer.
From Dara Singh to Dharmendra: A Casting Shift
Interestingly, the role of Superman’s father was initially meant for Dara Singh, a wrestling legend turned actor, known for his powerful and heroic characters. Although Dara Singh began filming, he eventually stepped away from the project, paving the way for Dharmendra to take up the mantle. This casting change brought Dharmendra’s signature intensity and star power to the critical role, making it a memorable moment for fans despite the film’s overall lack of box office success.
Legacy Despite Limited Success
Though the movie did not achieve commercial success or critical acclaim on a wide scale, Dharmendra’s performance stood out. For his fan base, the image of Dharmendra as the father figure to Superman remains a unique and cherished trivia piece, highlighting the veteran actor’s versatility beyond typical Bollywood hero roles.
The film represents a fascinating intersection of Bollywood’s daring efforts to localize global icons and Dharmendra’s willingness to explore diverse avenues within his acting career. To date, among certain circles, Dharmendra fondly retains the nickname "Superman’s dad," a testament to this rare and remarkable undertaking.
Dharmendra Today and Fans’ Support
In recent times, Dharmendra faced health challenges and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he was placed on ventilator support. News of his condition sparked widespread concern and outpourings of support from fans and the entertainment fraternity alike, hoping for the speedy recovery of a beloved film legend.
Conclusion
Dharmendra’s portrayal of Superman’s father is more than just a trivia tidbit; it showcases the actor’s expansive range and Bollywood’s creative spirit during the 1980s. While the 1987 Superman film might not have soared in the box office, the unique casting of Dharmendra in such an iconic role continues to spark interest and affection among cinema lovers. This chapter in Dharmendra’s career remains a hidden gem reflecting the actor’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema and his unexpected link to one of the world’s most beloved superheroes.
