'He'd open his eyes...': Anil Sharma recalls Dharmendra's last days
What's the story
Filmmaker Anil Sharma, a close family friend of the Deols, has revealed that Dharmendra was on the road to recovery after being discharged from the hospital. Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, he said that when he visited Dharmendra at home, the veteran star was responsive and gave everyone hope. "I went to his home. He had recovered. He would open his eyes and even move his hands," said Sharma.
Recovery hopes
'Everyone was hopeful'
Sharma added that even the medical team believed Dharmendra would bounce back. "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." "Everyone was hopeful, and we all thought we would celebrate his birthday on December 8." The legendary actor passed away on Monday, November 24, at his Mumbai home after being admitted to Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month due to breathlessness.
Career collaboration
Sharma's long association with Dharmendra and Deols
Sharma has had a long creative journey with the legendary actor, first directing him in Hukumat (1987). The duo later collaborated on Elaan-E-Jung, Farishtay, and Tahalka. He also directed Sunny Deol in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Singh Saab the Great, and Gadar 2. In 2004, he directed Bobby Deol in Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo and three years later brought all three Deols together in Apne.
Enduring impact
Dharmendra's legacy and family
Over a career spanning more than six decades, the He-Man of Indian cinema evolved from the charming romantic hero of the 1960s to one of Bollywood's most beloved and enduring stars. He is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, his six children, and their families. Dharmendra would have turned 90 on December 8.