When Dharmendra had rejected this big film of Yash Chopra at the beginning of his career, it later proved to be a milestone.
Dharmendra, who made his debut with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, did not give up in the initial phase of his career despite the struggle. Dharmendra, who came to Mumbai to try his luck, accepted whatever role came his way. Many times the actor also played side roles in films, gradually his popularity started increasing and he started coming in the sight of directors.
Staff Editor 
Dharmendra is one of those actors of Hindi cinema who made a place in the industry on his own. One step at a time, he climbed the ladder of fame such that the whole world saw his stardom. Dharmendra won the Filmfare Talent Hunt Contest in 1960. Along with this, he was promised a film, which was the reward for becoming the winner. However, when he reached Mumbai, the film was postponed such that it was never released.
Dharmendra did not give up and agreed to do whatever role came his way. He debuted with the film 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere'. In the beginning of his career, Dharam Paaji worked in many small and big films. Many times the Heman of Bollywood also played side roles.
Gradually achieved the goal
Time passed and Dharmendra's hard work bore fruit. Gradually the actor's popularity increased and he started getting good role offers. Whereas earlier Dharmendra used to agree to do all types of roles, now he started rejecting many films, about whose success he was doubtful.
Yash Chopra offered the film
Dharmendra wanted to choose only such films which would take him forward as an actor. During this time he was offered Yash Chopra's multi-starrer film 'Waqt'. The story of the film was about three brothers who get separated. Dharmendra was chosen to play the role of elder brother. At the same time, Sunil Dutt and Shashi Kapoor were playing the roles of younger brothers in the film.
Dharmendra did not like 'Waqt' full of superstars
Apart from these, many big stars like Balraj Sahni, Sadhna and Sharmila Tagore were involved in 'Waqt', Dharmendra rejected this film of Yash Chopra. Later Yash Chopra signed Raj Kumar for the role of elder brother. The film was released in theaters in 1965 and proved to be a blockbuster. Raj Kumar's character got the most attention in the film. With this, 'Waqt' boosted his stardom overnight.
Why Dharmendra rejected Yash Chopra's 'Waqt'
At the beginning of his career, Dharmendra had rejected Yash Chopra's multi-starrer film because of two superstars. In 'Waqt', Dharmendra had to play the role of elder brother of Sunil Dutt and Shashi Kapoor, which was not acceptable to him. If reports are to be believed, at the beginning of his career the actor did not want to play the role of Sunil Dutt and Shashi Kapoor's elder brother. In real life, Sunil Dutt was four years older than Dharmendra. In such a situation, he rejected the offer to work in 'Waqt'. In this way the film reached Raj Kumar and proved to be a milestone in his career.
