Following the death of veteran actor Dharmendra at the age of 89, director Anil Sharma confirmed that the much-anticipated family sequel Apne 2 will be permanently shelved, stating, “Without Dharamji, it’s impossible to make the sequel.”
November 26, 2025: The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra has brought an abrupt and emotional end to one of Bollywood’s most anticipated family projects, Apne 2. The 89-year-old actor died on November 24 at his residence, days after being discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following a prolonged illness.
Apne 2 was conceived as a grand cinematic vehicle intended to unite three generations of the Deol family: Dharmendra, his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and his grandson Karan Deol.
“Some Dreams Remain Unfulfilled”
Director Anil Sharma, who shares a long professional history with Dharmendra dating back to films like Hukumat and Tahalka, confirmed the cancellation of the film in an emotional statement.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Sharma stated that the essence of the film cannot be realized without its patriarch.
Anil Sharma: “Apne to apno ke bina nahi ho sakti. Without Dharamji, it’s impossible to make the sequel. Everything was on track and the script was ready, but he left us. Some dreams remain unfulfilled. Without him, it’s not possible!”
The sequel, a continuation of the successful 2007 family drama Apne, had been in development for several years, though it never officially began shooting. The original film was celebrated for bringing Dharmendra and his two sons together for the first time on screen, focusing on the emotional dynamics of a former boxer (Dharmendra) and his sons.
Final Screen Appearance: Ikkis
Dharmendra’s final screen appearance will be a posthumous release in the upcoming war drama, Ikkis. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda as the central character, the film is scheduled to hit cinemas worldwide on December 25, 2025.
In Ikkis, Dharmendra plays M. L. Khetarpal, the father of the late Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee who was martyred at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Following his death, the film’s makers released a moving tribute poster: “Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another.”
Political Leaders Pay Homage
The industry and the nation have mourned the loss of the veteran, often called Bollywood’s “He-Man.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the political tributes, calling the passing “the end of an era in Indian cinema.”
In a post on X, the Prime Minister praised the star’s versatility and screen presence, adding that Dharmendra brought “charm and depth” to every role, cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved figures in Indian film history.