Director Anil Sharma Says Apne Sequel Impossible Without Dharmendra
Director Anil Sharma Says Apne Sequel Impossible Without Dharmendra
Plans for Apne 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 2007 family drama Apne, have officially come to a halt. Director Anil Sharma has confirmed that the project has been shelved indefinitely following the death of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89.
‘Apne 2 Can’t Happen Without Dharamji’
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Anil Sharma revealed that although the script was completed and the film was gearing up for development, the sequel cannot move forward without Dharmendra.
“Apne to apno ke bina nahi ho sakti. Without Dharamji, it’s impossible to make the sequel. Everything was ready, but he left us. Some dreams remain unfinished. Without him, it cannot be made,” Sharma said emotionally.
The original film starred Dharmendra alongside his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, making it one of Bollywood’s most beloved family films. The director stated that the essence of Apne was deeply tied to Dharmendra’s presence, making his absence irreplaceable. – Director Anil Sharma Says Apne Sequel Impossible Without Dharmendra
Anil Sharma Recalls His Last Meeting With Dharmendra
Sharma also reminisced about his final conversation with the veteran actor. He met Dharmendra in early October, where the actor expressed his longing to return to the camera.
“He told me, ‘Anil, koi achchi kahani laa… acchi film karni hai. Camera meri mehbooba hai… mujhe yaad karti hai. Mujhe uske saamne jaana hai,’” the filmmaker recalled.
How Anil Sharma First Met the He-Man of Bollywood
The director shared another cherished memory from their decades-long association. At just 18 years old, Sharma met Dharmendra for the first time with a call sheet in hand.
“He lovingly placed his hand on my head and said, ‘Mehnat se kaam karna.’ When I narrated Hukumat, he approved it in 10 minutes. His understanding of cinema was phenomenal—and that film created history,” Sharma added.
Sharma went on to direct Dharmendra in multiple films, including Hukumat, Elaan-e-Jung, and several others. – Director Anil Sharma Says Apne Sequel Impossible Without Dharmendra
Anil Sharma’s Recent Work
On the professional front, the director last helmed Vanvaas, starring Utkarsh Sharma, Nana Patekar, Rajpal Yadav, and Simrat Kaur. The film was released in theatres on December 20, 2024, under Zee Studios and Anil Sharma Productions.
Director Anil Sharma Says Apne Sequel Impossible Without Dharmendra
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