In a heartfelt tribute following the passing of legendary actor Dharmendra, filmmaker Anil Sharma has shared remarkable anecdotes that highlight the star's immense generosity and instinctive support for newcomers. Sharma, who directed the actor in five films including the 1987 hit Hukumat, revealed how Dharmendra's quick decision and financial aid were pivotal in launching his own career.
A Leap of Faith in Just Five Minutes
Recalling the initial meeting, Sharma described himself as a 25-26-year-old newcomer with only two small films to his name. Dharmendra, already a colossal star, affectionately called him "chhutke" (the little one). Despite Sharma's lack of a full script—he had only a five-minute idea—Dharmendra listened intently and agreed to do the film almost immediately. "He heard the idea for five minutes by the watch. Today, actors listen to a narration for three hours and still don't get the idea," Sharma said on the podcast HZ Files.
Sharma was astounded. He froze, his eyes welled up, and he touched the star's feet. Dharmendra simply blessed him with a "Jeete raho" in Punjabi. The actor was so convinced by the story's potential that he accepted a minimal signing amount, with the understanding that more would be paid later. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration.
A Financial Crisis and a Star's Rescue Act
The production of Hukumat soon hit a major roadblock. A financier who had promised Rs 30 lakh backed out after paying only Rs 5 lakh, leaving the shoot in Nainital stranded mid-schedule. With dancers and fighters brought from Mumbai, Sharma faced a career-ending dilemma. He made a bold decision to continue, asking the unit to make severe compromises on accommodation and personal comforts, but none on the film's scale or location.
When Dharmendra learned of the dire situation, he performed an act of kindness that Sharma has never forgotten. The star personally handed Sharma a bag containing Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh in cash. "This was Dharmendra. Who else would do that?" Sharma recalled, emphasizing the substantial value of that amount at the time. This timely intervention kept the film afloat.
The Humble Superstar on Set
Sharma also reminisced about Dharmendra's unparalleled humility and connection with his fans. During the Nainital shoot, crowds of up to 50,000 people would gather just to catch a glimpse of him. Unlike many stars, Dharmendra never shooed them away or threw tantrums. He would calmly eat his meals amidst the massive, adoring crowd, displaying a down-to-earth nature that endeared him to all.
The success of Hukumat in 1987 forged a strong partnership. The duo went on to collaborate on three more action films: Elaan-E-Jung (1989), Farishtay (1991), and Tahalka (1992). Their professional journey came full circle 15 years later with the hit family drama Apne (2007), which also starred Dharmendra's sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.
Anil Sharma's recollections paint a vivid portrait of Dharmendra not just as a magnetic screen icon, but as a compassionate mentor and a pillar of support who believed in talent and hard work, often putting his own resources behind that belief.
