Mumbai, December 6, 2025 - The recent passing of veteran actor Dharmendra on November 24, 2025, has brought an outpouring of grief from the Indian film industry and his countless fans. The actor, who was 89, was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital earlier in November due to breathlessness. He was discharged on November 12 and showed initial signs of recovery.
In a recent interview, filmmaker Anil Sharma, a long-time associate of the Deol family, shared details of his last meeting with Dharmendra, revealing the actor's deep longing for a comeback to the silver screen. Sharma recalled visiting Dharmendra at his home after he was discharged from the hospital. During their conversation, Dharmendra expressed a heartfelt desire to return to cinema, which he referred to as his "first love".
Sharma recounted Dharmendra's emotional plea: " Yaar Anil beta mere liye ek bahut kamaal ka role likh. Mujhe kuch karna hai abhi, camera meri mehbooba hai, woh mujhe bula rahi hai. Mujhe jaana hai uske paas. Kuch kar abhi. Koi aacha role likh," which translates to, "Write an amazing role for me, son. I want to do something. The camera is my beloved, it is calling me. I want to go to the camera. Do something now. Write a good role for me". Sharma noted that Dharmendra repeated this request three times during their meeting. Sharma promised him that he would write a role for him.
Sharma also shared that during his visit, Dharmendra was responsive, opening his eyes and moving his hands, which gave everyone hope that he would regain his strength. Doctors had also assured the family that Dharmendra was strong and would likely recover. "Doctors assured us he would recover, and even in the hospital, it looked like he would. But age shows its signs, and you can't fight that," Sharma said. The actor would have turned 90 next month on December 8.
Dharmendra's passing marks the end of an era for Bollywood. From his early days as a romantic hero in the 1960s to his status as one of the industry's most enduring stars, he remained a beloved figure across generations. His filmography includes iconic movies such as "Sholay," "Chupke Chupke," and "Yaadon Ki Baaraat."
Anil Sharma and Dharmendra shared a professional relationship that spanned decades. Their collaborations included films like "Hukumat" (1987), "Elaan-E-Jung," "Farishtay," and "Tahalka". Sharma also directed Sunny Deol in some of his biggest hits, including "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" and "Gadar 2". In 2007, Sharma brought Dharmendra, Sunny, and Bobby Deol together in the family drama "Apne". Sharma has put "Apne 2" on hold because it felt incomplete without Dharmendra.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini; his children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol; and his extended family.
