New Delhi, Nov. 24 -- Bollywood has lost one of its most enduring icons with the passing of Dharmendra at the age of 89. In remembering his life, a striking thread is his humble beginning - he was paid just Rs.51 for his very first film - and the journey that made him the legendary "He-Man" of Indian cinema.

Dharmendra's debut came in 1960 with the film 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere', directed by Arjun Hingorani. According to his own recollections, he received a modest signing amount of Rs.51.

He once shared how this payment came about: the three producers pooled in money from their pockets - "first, Mr Bihari emptied his pockets . then Mr Thakkar . the aggregate was just Rs.51."

Despite the tiny sum, Dharmendra celebrated the moment. He ...