Anil Sharma Reflects on His Journey with the Deol Family
‘I aimed to create something unique by transforming Dharamji into Hardy, making him waddle alongside Naseer’s Laurel.’
‘Audiences loved seeing him in these roles. Working with an evergreen superstar like Dharamji allows for such creativity.’
IMAGE: Dharmendra with Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol in Apne.
Long-standing Collaboration
Anil Sharma has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the Deol family, beginning with the 1987 film Hukumat. This action drama, featuring Dharmendra, was the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.
Their success continued with Elaan-e-Jung in 1989 and Tahalka. At the turn of the century, Sharma made box office history with Sunny Deol in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and The Hero: Love Story Of A Spy, the latter being the most expensive Hindi film at the time.
In 2007, Apne was a milestone, uniting Dharmendra, Sunny, and Bobby Deol on screen for the first time.
Memorable Projects
In 2013, Dharmendra and his younger brother appeared in Sharma and Sunny’s Singh Saab the Great in the song Daaru Bandh Kal Se. Their collaboration continued with the hit Gadar 2, and a third installment has been announced. The Apne sequel will also feature the three Deols despite Dharmendra’s passing on November 24.
On his way to the late actor’s prayer meeting, Anil Sharma told Rediff Senior Contributor Roshmila Bhattacharya, “There was never an actor like him, and there never will be again.”
Reflecting on Hukumat
Addressing Hukumat, Sharma said, “Dharamji never made a comeback; he was always present. In 1987, he delivered seven superhits, including Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Watan Ke Rakhwale, Insaniyat Ke Dushman, Insaf Ki Pukar, Loha, and Jaan Hatheli Pe.”
Transition to Action Films
After directing two social dramas, Sharma shifted to action films due to the impact of home video, which kept audiences away from theaters. This change led to the creation of Hukumat out of frustration.
IMAGE: Anil Sharma and Dharmendra on the sets of Hukumat. Photograph: Kind courtesy Anil Sharma/Instagram
Iconic Scenes
Sharma recalled memorable scenes from Hukumat, including Dharmendra’s fight with Praveen Kumar Sobti, a formidable villain. The audience loved Arjun Singh’s unique moves, and the film’s climax became iconic.
Success with Elaan-E-Jung
Elaan-E-Jung, released on August 18, 1989, was a significant success. It stood out even when released between two major Amitabh Bachchan films.
IMAGE: Jaaved Jaferi, stuntman Javed Karim, Anil Sharma, Dharmendra, Sikha Swaroop, Sonu Walia, Aditya Pancholi, and Pallavi Joshi on the sets of Tahalka. Photograph: Kind courtesy Anil Sharma/Instagram
Creativity in Tahalka
In Tahalka, Sharma introduced a song featuring Dharmendra and Naseeruddin Shah as Laurel and Hardy. The creative song was a hit and integrated into the storyline.
Working with Dharmendra
Dharmendra was integral to Sharma’s projects, contributing significantly to scripts and dialogues. Sharma expressed admiration for Dharmendra’s dedication and grounded nature.
Personal Bond
Sharma shared a deep personal connection with Dharmendra, likening him to a father figure.
IMAGE: Sunny Deol, Anil Sharma, Bobby Deol, and Dharmendra on the sets of Apne. Photograph: Kind courtesy Anil Sharma/Instagram
Bringing the Deols Together
Sharma successfully united the Deols in Apne, focusing on an emotional family drama rather than pure action. The film centered on a disgraced boxer and his sons.
Future Plans for Apne 2
Although Dharmendra’s passing poses challenges, Sharma is determined to create Apne 2 as a tribute, exploring possibilities with modern technology.
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
