Filmmaker Anil Sharma, who collaborated with Dharmendra across seven films, said the legendary actor’s passing at the age of 89 is both a personal and professional loss. The director had been preparing a sequel to Apne (2007), but now confirmed the project cannot go ahead “without his idol”.
‘Without Dharamji, it’s impossible’
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Sharma, 61, said the film was ready to roll until fate intervened. “Apne to apno ke bina nahi ho sakti. Without Dharamji, it’s impossible to make the sequel. Everything was on track and the script was ready, but he left us. Some dreams remain unfulfilled. Without him, it’s not possible!”The filmmaker shared a long association with the veteran, directing him in Hukumat (1987), Elaan-e-Jung (1989), Farishtey (1991) and Tahalka (1992). Sharma later produced Policewala Gunda (1995), directed Apne, and featured Dharmendra in a cameo in Singh Saab The Great (2013). He has also worked extensively with Dharmendra’s sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol.
Their last meeting and Dharamji’s enduring love for the camera
Recalling their final interaction, Sharma says, “I met him in early October and he said: ‘Anil, koi acchi kahani laa, acchi film karni hai… camera meri mehbooba hai, mujhe yaad karti hai. Mujhe jana hai uske samne’.”The Deol trio — Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby — had been slated to reunite for the sequel after nearly two decades.
‘He approved Hukumat in 10 minutes’
Sharma’s bond with the legendary actor began long before he turned director. As an 18-year-old assistant on The Burning Train (1980), he approached Dharmendra with a call sheet. “He put his hand on my head and said, ‘mehnat se kaam karna’,” Sharma recalls.Years later, when he narrated Hukumat, the approval was instant. “He approved the story in 10 minutes. He had such an amazing understanding of films, and the movie did tahalka in everyone’s hearts.”
‘Crowds of thousands came just to see him’
Reminiscing about the shoot of Hukumat, Sharma shares, “We were shooting on the outskirts of Ranikhet. We used to go on set at 6 am, and before the unit reached, Dharamji would already be there, jogging. We had crowds of thousands who came just to see him. We used to change locations and his hotels to manage the fans. His connection with them was amazing.”
‘Unaware of the legend he was’
Remembering the man behind the star, Sharma says, “He was a great actor and an amazing human being who used to portray his characters very well. I was his huge fan. When I was living in Mathura, at that time, there were only two stars: Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra. Dharamji’s connection with his fans was incredible. He was a great actor — unaware of the legend he was, and will remain, even after he has gone!”
