Dharmendra to Manoj Bajpayee: How Bollywood’s Iconic On-Screen Duos Evolved Over Time

From Dharmendra–Amitabh to Manoj Bajpayee–Sharib Hashmi: The Evolution of Iconic On-Screen Pairs

Hindi cinema has always celebrated memorable on-screen duos whose chemistry transcended the screen and became the heart of their stories. Among them, the legendary pairing of Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan in Sholay stands tall as one of Bollywood’s most iconic partnerships. Their combination of warmth, wit, and emotional strength redefined male friendships in Indian films for decades to come.

In Sholay (1975), Dharmendra’s carefree, romantic and rugged portrayal of Veeru was perfectly balanced by Amitabh Bachchan’s calm, introspective Jai. Their distinct personalities blended effortlessly, making them the ultimate symbol of “dosti”. Indian audiences embraced them not just as characters on screen but as cultural icons embodying friendship and courage. The playful banter, comic timing, and emotional depth of Dharmendra gave the film both heart and humor, while Amitabh anchored it with intensity—creating a duo that every future filmmaker tried to replicate.

A decade and a half later, in the early 1990s, another pair caught the youth’s imagination: Rahul Roy and Deepak Tijori in Aashiqui. Their chemistry wasn’t built on action or comedy but emotional tension and contrasting personalities. Rahul Roy became the symbol of soft-spoken romantic intensity, while Deepak Tijori added energy and realism to the story. Their dynamic echoed the same balance that Dharmendra and Amitabh once offered—different temperaments serving a common narrative.

Moving into the mid-90s, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan carried forward this legacy of male camaraderie and contrast in films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari. Their bond was playful yet powerful—Akshay as the action hero with a strong moral center and Saif as the light-hearted, charming superstar. This successful pairing reflected a changing India where friendship and competition coexisted with humor and swagger.

Today, the spirit of those classic duos continues in the digital era through The Family Man series featuring Manoj Bajpayee and Sharib Hashmi. Manoj’s intense and layered portrayal of Srikant Tiwari finds its perfect balance in Sharib’s grounded and endearing JK Talpade. Their partnership blends tension and warmth, reflecting a matured version of the bond once seen between Dharmendra and Amitabh. Despite the shift from silver screen to OTT, the emotional core of friendship and teamwork remains unchanged.

From Dharmendra’s charm to Manoj Bajpayee’s realism, the evolution of on-screen pairs mirrors the transformation of Indian storytelling itself. Each generation redefines chemistry and balance in its own way—whether through laughter, loyalty, or life’s challenges. Yet, the timeless thread that began with Dharmendra in Sholay continues to inspire actors and audiences even today.

— A celebration of friendship, emotion, and timeless cinema.