The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra has left not only an emotional void across the nation but also brought an abrupt halt to one of Bollywood’s most cherished upcoming projects. Director Anil Sharma has officially confirmed that Apne 2 — a film meant to unite three generations of the Deol family — has been cancelled following the veteran superstar’s demise.
The news has deeply saddened fans who were hoping to see the Deol legacy come alive once again on the big screen.
Dharmendra’s Death and the Film That Will Never Be Made
Dharmendra, 89, died on November 24 after battling prolonged illness. He had been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital just days earlier, but his condition deteriorated at home, leading to his peaceful passing.
His departure marks the end of an era defined by warmth, charisma, and unmatched screen presence.
Anil Sharma Confirms Cancellation of Apne 2
Director Anil Sharma, who had been gearing up to direct the sequel, revealed that the film simply cannot go forward without Dharmendra. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said:
“Apne to apno ke bina nahi ho sakti. Without Dharamji, it’s impossible to make the sequel.”
He added that the script was complete, the team was excited, and everything was aligned — until fate intervened.
“Some dreams remain unfulfilled,” he said emotionally, echoing the sentiments of millions.
A Film Meant to Unite the Deol Generations
Apne 2 was envisioned as a continuation of the much-loved 2007 family drama Apne. The film was planned to feature Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Karan Deol, making it one of Bollywood’s rare multi-generational collaborations.
Despite its announcement a few years ago, the project never went on floors — and now, it never will.
For fans, the cancellation represents not just the loss of a film but the loss of a priceless cinematic moment.
A Legendary Collaboration Cut Short
Anil Sharma and Dharmendra shared a long-standing partnership, having worked together on several films including Hukumat, Elaan-E-Jung, Farishtay, Tahalka, and the original Apne.
Their reunion for Apne 2 was expected to be another emotional milestone in their creative journey — one that now remains incomplete.
Sharma described Dharmendra not just as an actor, but as family and an irreplaceable force of nature.
Dharmendra’s Final Film: Ikkis
The last film featuring Dharmendra to hit theatres will now be Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, with Agastya Nanda in the lead.
Set to release on December 25, 2025, exactly one month after Dharmendra’s passing, the film is expected to be a powerful farewell to the legend.
Makers released a heartfelt tribute poster, calling him an “emotional powerhouse” portraying the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier.
Nation Mourns as PM Modi Pays Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the veteran actor’s death, calling it “the end of an era in Indian cinema.”
In a heartfelt post on X, the Prime Minister wrote that Dharmendra’s versatility, charm, and emotional depth made him an icon whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations.
His message echoed the nation’s grief, capturing the profound impact Dharmendra had on Indian cinema.
