Filmmaker Anil Sharma, who shared a long and cherished association with Dharmendra and directed him in multiple films, has opened up about his final meeting with the legendary superstar. Speaking on Hussain Zaidi’s YouTube channel, Sharma revealed that Dharmendra expressed a deep desire to return to what he called his “first love”—cinema—and urged the filmmaker to craft a powerful role for him.Recalling the meeting, Anil said, “I went to meet Bobby Deol at their home in September. Dharmendra ji was sitting there and a lot of people used to come and meet him and he used to meet all of them. He met me also and hugged me. He asked me what am I doing?”
Dharmendra’s heartfelt plea for one more role
Sharma then remembered the emotional request Dharmendra made during their conversation. “He told me, dear Anil beta, he has written a very wonderful role for me. I have to try now, the camera is my lover, she is calling me. I have to know his father. Try it now. Koi aacha role likh (Write an amazing role for me. I want to do something. Camera is my love and it is calling me. I want to go to the camera. Write a good role for me.),” he said.The filmmaker added that Dharmendra repeated this request three times. “Dharmendra ji told this to me 3 times. I promised him that I will write a role for him. I didn’t know that after a few months he will pass away. This was my last meeting with him. I thought that he is going to turn 90 and look at his zeal. He still loves cinema so much, it is not a business for him, it is his love.”
Dharmendra’s ashes immersed in Haridwar
Meanwhile, the Deol family immersed Dharmendra’s ashes in the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar on Wednesday, their family priest confirmed. Known fondly as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, the beloved actor passed away on November 24 at the age of 89.The rituals were conducted privately, away from media and crowds, family priest Sandeep Parashar Shrotriya told PTI. The immersion took place at Har Ki Pauri following pre-ritual ceremonies held at a private hotel.Shrotriya shared that Dharmendra’s grandson, Karan Deol—son of Sunny Deol—arrived with family members on a two-wheeler and performed the rituals. According to him, Sunny had wished to perform the rites himself, but due to concerns over crowding, Karan stepped in instead.
Deol family continues to grieve in privacy
Sunny and Bobby Deol had reached Haridwar on Tuesday, and the immersion was initially scheduled for the same day but was postponed as one relative could not arrive on time. Since Dharmendra’s passing, the family has maintained silence. Last week, they organized a prayer meet titled Celebration of Life in Mumbai, which saw a gathering of several prominent celebrities.
A six-decade legacy in Indian cinema
Born as Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra featured in over 300 films across a remarkable six-decade-long career. Celebrated for his effortless versatility—whether in action, romance or comedy—he delivered some of Indian cinema’s most iconic performances. His classics include Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, Anupama, Seeta Aur Geeta and many more.
