Filmmaker Anil Sharma, who has long shared a close professional and personal bond with legendary actor Dharmendra, has revealed details of his final emotional interaction with the late superstar. Speaking on author Hussain Zaidi’s YouTube channel, Sharma said Dharmendra expressed a powerful longing to return to the world he loved the most—cinema.
Sharma recalled visiting Bobby Deol’s home in September, where Dharmendra was meeting guests with his usual warmth. “He hugged me and asked what I was working on,” Sharma shared.
Dharmendra’s Moving Appeal for One More Memorable Role
According to Sharma, the veteran actor then made a heartfelt request that left a lasting impact. Dharmendra told him:
“Anil beta, write a wonderful role for me. I still want to do something. The camera is my beloved—it’s calling me. I want to go back to it.”
The filmmaker said Dharmendra repeated the request three times, highlighting how deeply he yearned to act again. “I assured him I would write a role for him. I had no idea it would be our last meeting,” Sharma said. He added that even at nearly 90, Dharmendra’s passion for cinema remained undimmed. “For him, cinema was not just work—it was pure love.”
Dharmendra’s Ashes Immersed in Haridwar
Meanwhile, the Deol family performed the immersion of Dharmendra’s ashes at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, on Wednesday, as confirmed by the family priest, Sandeep Parashar Shrotriya. The actor, fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” passed away on November 24 at the age of 89.
The ceremony was kept private, away from crowds and media. Dharmendra’s grandson Karan Deol, accompanied by family members, carried out the rituals. Sunny Deol had wished to perform the rites himself, but due to concerns over public gatherings, Karan represented the family.
Family Continues to Mourn in Privacy
Sunny and Bobby Deol had reached Haridwar a day earlier, though the immersion was postponed due to the late arrival of a family member. Since the actor’s passing, the Deols have maintained silence, apart from hosting a “Celebration of Life” prayer gathering in Mumbai, attended by many industry colleagues.
A Glorious Six-Decade Journey
Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935, Dharmendra leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of over 300 films. Known for his versatility across action, romance, and comedy, he created timeless cinematic moments. His iconic works include Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, Seeta Aur Geeta, Anupama, and many more. His contribution remains one of the brightest chapters in Indian film history.