Filmmaker Anil Sharma, who worked with the late actor Dharmendra on seven films, called the veteran’s passing on Monday at the age of 89 as a personal and professional loss. The director, who had planned a sequel to Apne (2007), states that the project can no longer proceed “without his idol.”

The 61-year-old says, “Apne to apno ke bina nahi ho sakti. Without Dharam ji, 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!”

Sharma directed Dharmendra in Hukumat (1987), Elaan-e-Jung (1989), Farishtey (1991), and Tahalka (1992), later producing Policewala Gunda (1995), directing Apne, and a cameo in Singh Saab The Great (2013). He also worked with Dharmendra’s sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol.

Recalling their last meeting Sharma says, “I met him in early October and he said: ‘Anil, koi acchi kahani laa, acchi film karni hai…camera meri mehbooba hai, mujhe yaad karti hai. Mujhe jana hai uske samne.’” The three Deols were set to reunite on screen with the sequel after nearly two decades.

Sharma first met Dharmendra on the sets of The Burning Train (1980) as an assistant. “He put his hand on my head and said, ‘mehnat se kaam karna’. When I narrated Hukumat, he approved the story in 10 minutes. ” Recalling the shoot, Sharma said: “Dharam ji’s connection with his fans was incredible. He was a great actor — unaware of the legend he was, and will remain, even after he has gone!”.”