The Indian film industry continues to mourn the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025. In an emotional revelation, filmmaker Anil Sharma, who shared a long-standing professional relationship with the Deol family, has opened up about the veteran star's final days and the hopeful moments that preceded his tragic demise.
The Hopeful Recovery Phase
Speaking about his visit to Dharmendra's home after the actor was discharged from the hospital, Anil Sharma recalled positive signs that had everyone optimistic. "I went to his home. He had recovered. He would open his eyes and he would even move his hands," Sharma shared during a conversation with Vickey Lalwani.
The filmmaker emphasized that medical professionals were particularly hopeful about Dharmendra's condition. "Doctors were saying that Dharamji bahut strong aadmi hai (Dharamji is a very strong man)," Sharma remembered, highlighting the confidence the medical team had in the veteran actor's resilience.
The Birthday That Never Was
Sharma revealed that the recovery appeared so promising that everyone was looking forward to celebrating Dharmendra's 90th birthday on December 8. "Everyone was hopeful that he would recover and that we would celebrate his birthday on December 8. Everyone was preparing," the filmmaker stated emotionally.
This anticipation made the eventual outcome even more heartbreaking for the family, friends, and countless admirers of the beloved actor who would have marked his ninth decade in just a few weeks.
Medical Assurance and Reality Check
According to Sharma, the medical team had provided reassurances about Dharmendra's recovery prospects. "Doctors also assured that he would recover and even in the hospital, it looked like he would recover," he noted.
However, the filmmaker added a poignant reflection on the inevitable reality of aging: "But the age shows its signs, and you can't do anything in front of age." This statement underscores the harsh truth that even the strongest individuals must eventually confront the limitations imposed by time.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Anil Sharma's connection with the Deol family spans decades, beginning with his directorial collaboration with Dharmendra in the 1987 film Hukumat. Their professional relationship flourished through subsequent projects including Elaan-E-Jung, Farishtay, and Tahalka, all featuring Dharmendra in leading roles.
The filmmaker's association extended to Dharmendra's sons, most notably with Sunny Deol in the blockbuster Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Sharma continued to direct Sunny in multiple successful films including The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Singh Saab the Great, and the highly anticipated Gadar 2.
Sharma's directorial portfolio with the Deol family also includes Bobby Deol's film Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo in 2004 and the 2007 family drama Apne, which featured all three Deols—Dharmendra, Sunny, and Bobby—sharing screen space.
Other Celebrities Pay Respects
The news of Dharmendra's deteriorating health had prompted visits from several Bollywood personalities. Veteran actress Mumtaz also attempted to see Dharmendra during his hospitalization but was unable to meet him personally.
She recalled, "I went to see him at the hospital, but the staff told me he was on the ventilator and no one was allowed to meet him. I sat there for 30 minutes hoping I might still get to see him... but I couldn't. I left without meeting him."
The industry has seen an outpouring of condolences with prominent figures including Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Saif Ali Khan, and Farah Khan visiting Dharmendra's residence to offer their respects to the grieving family.
Dharmendra's passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a family that continues his tradition of excellence in Bollywood.
