In an emotional tribute to the late legendary actor Dharmendra, director Anil Sharma has shared remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from their film collaborations, particularly highlighting an incredible physical feat the actor performed at age 71 during the shooting of their 2007 family drama Apne.
The Unforgettable Train Chase Sequence
Sharma vividly recalled a particularly memorable shot where Dharmendra's character was required to race a running train on his bicycle. What began as a routine filming day turned spectacular when approximately 10,000 to 15,000 local residents gathered to watch the shooting. The massive crowd began chanting "Dharmendra! Dharmendra!" creating an electric atmosphere on set.
"The energy from the crowd pumped up Dharam ji so much that he actually overtook the running train on his cycle, even though he was pedaling on the rocky path alongside the railway tracks," Sharma revealed in his interview. This extraordinary demonstration of physical stamina and enthusiasm from a 71-year-old actor left the entire crew in awe.
Emotional Connection to Apne
According to Sharma, Apne held special significance for Dharmendra as it fulfilled his long-cherished dream of sharing screen space with both his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. The director emphasized that he deliberately avoided making a pure action film, instead focusing on emotional storytelling that would resonate with audiences.
"I didn't want an action film with all three of them together. There can be action, but there should be basic emotion in the story too," Sharma explained. The careful writing process took nearly a year and a half, but ultimately paid off with a successful film that touched hearts.
Sharma singled out one particularly powerful scene as his favorite Dharmendra moment from Apne: "When he enters the empty boxing ring and talks to the signs of his son's blood on the mat. Wow, what a scene! Dharam ji is extraordinary when it comes to emotion."
Natural Emotional Depth
The director praised Dharmendra's authentic emotional performances, noting that the veteran actor never relied on artificial aids like glycerine to produce tears. "None of the three Deols use glycerine. Tears just flow out of their eyes naturally," Sharma marveled, emphasizing the genuine emotional connection the actors brought to their roles.
Sharma also shared bittersweet news about the planned sequel, Apne 2, revealing that he had written a substantial role for Dharmendra in the continuation of the family story. However, following the actor's recent passing at age 89, the director admitted he's not in the right state of mind to pursue the project currently.
In a touching final recollection, Sharma described his last meeting with Dharmendra at the actor's residence just last month. The veteran actor had expressed his continued passion for acting, telling Sharma: "The camera is my mehbooba (lover). You just give me a role, and I'll do it. You see what I'll do."
These memories paint a picture of an actor who maintained his legendary enthusiasm and physical vitality well into his senior years, leaving behind not just iconic films but unforgettable moments of dedication that continue to inspire.
