The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra has left the nation heartbroken, and as fans remember the He-Man of Bollywood, one place that continues to reflect his warmth and Punjabi spirit is the Garam Dharam Dhaba.
Located on the highway stretch of Murthal, Haryana, the Bollywood-themed restaurant has become one of North India’s most famous food stops. But the question is: how is this connected to the legendary actor?
Dharmendra inspired the restaurant and was involved in its launch. He was the soul behind its concept who played a key role in making it a unique dining destination. However, he is not listed among its business stakeholders.
The dhaba first opened its doors on February 23, 2018, and from day one, it has been celebrating Dharmendra’s charismatic Bollywood legacy and Punjabi spirits.
The founders of the venture are Umang Tewari and Mickey Mehta, who partnered with Dharmendra to craft the dining destination. Umang is known for creative restaurant ventures, while Mickey is a wellness expert.
What makes Garam Dharam truly special is its Bollywood-themed décor that includes larger-than-life posters, retro film artwork, cutouts, dialogues and a warm vibe that reminds fans of the superstar’s most iconic roles.
But the charm goes beyond the depiction, the dhaba serves authentic North Indian comfort food, a tribute to Dharmendra’s Punjabi roots and his love for hearty, desi cuisine.
The menu is just as fun, featuring dishes inspired by Dharmendra’s movies and personality. From the Dharamji Special to quirky tandoori plates, signature chaaps and mocktails, there are many dishes named after famous dialogues and movies.
Over the years, the success of the Murthal outlet turned Garam Dharam into a growing restaurant chain, expanding to Delhi (Connaught Place), Noida (Sector 18), Ghaziabad (Arthala) and other NCR locations.
Its filmy ambience and highway dhaba feel have made it a favourite among travellers, food bloggers, Bollywood fans and families seeking a unique dining experience.
In terms of business performance, Garam Dharam Dhaba reportedly achieves a robust 30% return on investment per outlet, making it one of the more successful themed food ventures. However, the annual turnover figures have not been publicly disclosed.
Today, as India mourns Dharmendra’s loss, Garam Dharam Dhaba stands as a living tribute, a place that captures his simplicity, Punjabi warmth and his larger-than-life spirit.
