The passing of Bollywood's beloved icon, Dharmendra, last month cast a shadow of profound sorrow across the Indian film industry and the nation. Among the many who shared a deep bond with the star was director Anil Sharma, known for collaborating on successful films like ‘Hukumat’, ‘Elaan-E-Jung’, ‘Tahalka’, and ‘Apne’. In a recent, poignant interview, Sharma opened up about his very first meeting with Dharmendra, offering a rare, personal glimpse into the actor's life and the family's wish for privacy in his final moments.
A Young Assistant's Unforgettable First Glimpse
Speaking to The Digital Commentary, Anil Sharma journeyed back in time to when he was a 17-18-year-old assistant on the film 'Burning Train' at the iconic RK Studios. He was stationed in the makeup room of the legendary Raj Kapoor, a space with a special rule. "Only Dharam ji was allowed access to Raj Kapoor sahab’s makeup room," Sharma recalled, highlighting the immense respect between the two giants. His duty that day was to lay out costume options for the expected star.
The news of Dharmendra's arrival created a wave of excitement that travelled from the ground floor to the farthest room. Sharma rushed downstairs to witness a scene: a Volkswagen car surrounded by 30-40 people, including producers B.R. Chopra and Ravi Chopra. The young assistant stood there, awaiting his first sight of the star.
Fatigue from Razia Sultan and a Bold Move
When the car door finally opened, Sharma got his first glimpse. Dharmendra was inside with his second wife, Hema Malini, and appeared visibly tired after a shoot for the film 'Razia Sultan'. The actor politely requested Chopra sahab to reschedule the 'Burning Train' shoot to the next day due to his exhaustion.
Despite the star's fatigue and his own nervousness, the determined young assistant mustered the courage to approach. He quickly filled out a call sheet, went to the car door, and called out, "Sir, sir, sir." Dharmendra opened the van door to inquire. Sharma handed him the sheet, explaining it was for the next day's schedule—a relatively new practice at the time. Dharmendra acknowledged it with a smile, already informed by the Chopras.
A Blessing That Fueled a Career
The interaction took a personal turn when Dharmendra asked if Sharma was an assistant. Sharma admitted he had come specifically just to meet him. The star inquired about his father, possibly knowing him, and then offered words that would stay with Sharma forever: "Work hard and you will become something one day." Sharma touched his feet for blessings, receiving a warm "Jeete raho (live long)." That feeling, Sharma confessed, remains with him to this day.
An Unmatched Legacy That Transcends Borders
Reflecting on Dharmendra's unparalleled stature, Sharma stated emphatically that there has never been, and can never be, another person or actor like him. He recalled Dharmendra's humble response to questions about his ranking: "I don’t know about numbers, I just know that I am number one in people’s hearts."
This sentiment, Sharma noted, has been vividly displayed since the actor's passing. "It’s almost a month, there’s nothing on social media besides him," he observed, pointing out that the entire country, and even fans in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, and England, continue to mourn and celebrate his life. He respected the family's decision to keep the last moments private, allowing them to be with him alone. The global outpouring of grief, including talks of statues, stands as a testament to Dharmendra's everlasting impact far beyond Indian shores.
