Dharmendra’s Final Days: Anil Sharma Recalls Heartfelt Last Meeting with the Bollywood Legend

Mumbai, 27 Nov 2025: The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of iconic actor Dharmendra, who left this world on 24 November. Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues across the country, highlighting the void his departure has left.

Renowned filmmaker Anil Sharma, a close friend of the Deol family and director of several of Dharmendra’s films, shared poignant memories of his last meeting with the actor. “I visited him at his home after he was discharged from the hospital,” Sharma revealed. “He was recovering, his eyes were open, and he was moving his hands. The doctors were optimistic, saying that Dharmendra was a very strong individual.”

Dharmendra had been receiving treatment at Breach Candy Hospital after a period of declining health. Earlier reports had indicated that he was on a ventilator, but by 12 November he was discharged and continued treatment at home. His family had released a statement affirming his recovery, prompting well-wishers across India and the world to pray for his health.

Sharma further recounted, “Even the doctors were confident that he would get better. The hospital atmosphere was hopeful. We were all preparing to celebrate his 90th birthday on 8 December.”

The bond between Dharmendra and Anil Sharma extended over decades, beginning with the 1987 film Hukumat. Their collaboration continued through hits like Elaan-E-Jung, Farishte, Policewala Gunda, Gadar, and Gadar 2. Sharma also worked closely with Dharmendra’s sons—Sunny, Bobby, and Dharmendra Jr.—in films such as Apne, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, and Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo.

Sharma expressed his grief over unfinished projects, revealing that plans for Apne 2 will no longer materialize. “It’s impossible to make the sequel without Dharmendra. Everything was ready—the script, the planning—but now, some dreams remain incomplete. Without him, it’s just not possible,” he said.

Dharmendra’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Bollywood, a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.