A legend bids farewell: Dharmendra, our beloved He-Man of Bollywood, left us on November 24, just weeks before his 90th birthday. But even at an age when most would retire, Dharam Paaji's passion for the camera remained unwavering.
The Last Hurrah: A Final Request
In a recent interview, Apne director Anil Sharma shared an emotional story about his last encounter with Dharmendra. It was a meeting that would leave a lasting impression and a promise that would sadly remain unfulfilled.
Anil, a close friend of the Deol family, had worked with Dharmendra on several films, including Hukumat and Policewala Gunda. In September, he visited Bobby Deol at their home, where he had the chance to meet and hug Dharmendra. It was during this encounter that Dharmendra revealed his desire to continue acting.
'Write Me a Role'
Dharmendra, with his characteristic charm, asked Anil to write a remarkable role for him. He expressed his love for cinema, saying, "The camera is my lover, and it calls to me. I want to go to the camera. Write a good role for me." This request was not just a passing comment; Dharmendra repeated it three times, emphasizing his passion and determination.
Anil promised to deliver, but little did he know that fate had other plans. A few months later, Dharmendra passed away, leaving behind a legacy and a promise that Anil intends to keep.
A Tribute and a Reunion
Anil was set to reunite with the Deol family for the sequel to Apne, but after Dharmendra's demise, the script is being rewritten as a tribute to the late superstar. The film, Apne 2, will now carry a special significance, honoring Dharmendra's memory.
And for fans eagerly awaiting Dharmendra's magic, they can look forward to his last performance in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, which also stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, this Christmas.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should filmmakers continue to create roles for actors who have passed away, or is it better to let their legacy stand as it is? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
