Put Mithun Chakraborty, Sunny Deol, Sanjay Dutt, and Jackie Shroff in one frame, and you can expect an action extravaganza. That’s exactly what Baap promises. Now, producer Ahmed Khan has also woven in an element of dance in it.

While the movie’s principal shoot was wrapped up in April 2025, mid-day has learnt that Khan and director Vivek Chauhan recently filmed a music video with the four leading men and Johny Lever.

Think of it as a stylised promotional track that will highlight the heroes’ action set-pieces from the movie.

A source from the creative team revealed, “A peppy dance number featuring the four actors, and another track celebrating their camaraderie were to be shot last year. However, only the latter was filmed in the jungles of Mizoram and in Film City, Mumbai. The dance track was finally shot in June. A set depicting a mill was created at Madh Island for the purpose.”

Considering Baap is high on stunts designed by action directors Parvez Shaikh and Ravi Varma, Zee Studios as well as Khan felt portions of it should be incorporated in the single. The source added, “It’s intercut with different action set-pieces. For instance, one sequence has Sunny and Sanjay fighting on top of a Boeing plane; it may make the cut.”

For Khan, it was wonderful to see the four stars shake a leg together. “It was great fun to have the true action heroes dancing and doing dialoguebaazi,” he told mid-day, while the director added, “Seeing these macho icons together in one frame is a cinematic feast!”

Batwara 1947 may have slowed down Sunny Deol’s bullish run at the box office that began with Gadar 2: The Katha Continues (2023), but he has no reason to worry. The actor has four big films in his kitty. Soon after the Partition drama’s release, Deol moved on to the shoot of Excel Entertainment’s cop thriller, Antony. He will follow it up with Ramayana: Part 2, Jaat 2, and Rajkumar Santoshi’s next.  

A source told mid-day that Deol resumed the filming of Antony, directed by Balaji Ganesh, in Film City on August 26.

“The unit is currently focusing on the high-octane action sequences of the film that sees Sunny as a cop trying to bust a crime syndicate. With action director Ravi Verma, the actor has been shooting car chase sequences,” shared the source. 

Wrapping up Antony by October, the actor will dive into the immersive world of Ramayana: Part 2. Ranbir Kapoor has begun shooting his portions for Nitesh Tiwari’s outing.

The source added, “While Sunny, as Lord Hanuman, makes a brief appearance in the first part, he will have major action and dramatic sequences in the sequel.”

Jaat 2’s producers are keen to take their movie on floors by December. The only roadblock is said to be director Gopichand Malineni’s busy date diary. “Gopi is busy with his next film. So, the producers have to decide whether they want to wait for him or rope in another director,” added the source.

By early next year, Deol will face the camera for Santoshi’s Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega.

Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi have given Hindi cinema some of the most popular films of the ‘90s. As the actor-director duo reunites for Batwara 1947, a retrospective celebrating their collaboration will see three of their classics – Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993) and Ghatak (1996) – re-released in theatres from July 24. In an exclusive conversation with us, the duo reflects on their enduring partnership, iconic characters and why stories of ordinary people fighting injustice continue to resonate.

Speaking about the re-releases and reuniting with Santoshi, Sunny says, “Our journey began with Ghayal, followed by Damini, Ghatak and now Batwara. We understand each other without having to explain too much, and that’s why our partnership works. There’s an unspoken understanding between us. All three films are about ordinary people standing up against injustice. Times and circumstances may have changed, but that fight never grows old.”

The actor is delighted that younger audiences will now get to experience these films on the big screen. “I don’t usually sit and watch my own films because I immediately start noticing what I could have done better. But seeing audiences, especially younger people, discover these films today is emotional. It tells you that an honest film never grows old.”

Talking about the characters he has played, Sunny says, “People remember the action, but I believe my real strength has always been emotion. The anger worked because there was pain, love or injustice behind it.”

Recalling his first meeting with Sunny, Santoshi says it wasn’t the actor’s physique or screen image that impressed him the most.

“It was his honesty. There was an innocence, emotional sincerity and a quiet confidence about him. People see the anger, the action and the larger-than-life moments, but I’ve always seen the vulnerable man behind that strength. That fascinated me. Whether it was Ajay Mehra in Ghayal, Govind Srivastav in Damini or Kashi Nath in Ghatak, they were never superheroes. They were ordinary men pushed to extraordinary limits.”

For Santoshi, reuniting with Sunny after three decades felt surprisingly effortless. “It never felt like 30 years had passed. Both of us have lived through success, disappointments and personal growth.

He adds, “Sunny never tries to impress people. He listens more than he speaks and never wears a mask, which allows a director to shape the character instead of fighting the actor’s personality. He also represents a kind of masculinity that is becoming increasingly rare.”

Santoshi believes audiences may have changed, but human emotions haven’t. “Today’s audiences have access to stories from every corner of the world, but human emotions remain the same. People still experience injustice and betrayal. Earlier, cinema externalized anger through powerful confrontations. Today, it is more internal and psychological, but anger itself hasn’t disappeared. If Ghayal or Damini were made today, I would make them differently because cinema has evolved. But their emotional core would remain exactly the same,” he says.

Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol have come together for Batwara 1947 — directed by Santoshi, starring Sunny and produced by Aamir. The collaboration is particularly interesting given their legendary box-office clashes over the years — Dil versus Ghayal, Raja Hindustani versus Ghatak, and Lagaan versus Gadar. How different is their relationship today?

Sunny smiles, “I never saw Aamir as a rival. Our films competed at the box office; we never did. Today, it feels wonderful that the same history has brought us together. He heard the story, believed in it immediately and backed it with complete conviction. We may be very different people, but our love for cinema is the same.”

For Dia Mirza Rekhi, 2026 is a special year. She marks 25 years as an actor, and was seen in Ikka with Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna and opposite Anil Kapoor in Alpha. She also has web series Operation Safed Sagar in the offing.

And it all started thanks to her co-star. “AK (Anil) is responsible for convincing me to become a part of films,” the 44-year-old reveals, adding, “He met me right after my Asia Pacific pageant (in 2000). He and Anupam Kher were very keen that I do the film that they were working on, and they were the ones who helped me get my first film.”

For Dia, starring opposite Anil “felt like a beautiful full circle moment”: “The first time I met him in the lobby of a hotel in Hyderabad, he had told me, “You have so much grace, you would be so beautiful on screen, you must become an actor’.”

Dia is also all praise for Sunny and Akshaye. “I’ve done some films with Akshaye’s father (late veteran Vinod Khanna) and we shared a very special bond, and I’ve known Rahul (Khanna, Akshaye’s brother). I’d actually approached Akshaye to act in a film that I was producing, but that didn’t work out. So, it was cool to finally work with him,” she shares.

Their film also featured a scene of her slapping Akshaye. “I was terrified, and then Sunny sir was quick to jump in and say, ‘Listen, you’re playing my wife, so you shouldn’t be scared’. And I was like, ‘Have you seen Khanna sa’ab’s fan following?’” she laughs, adding, “It’s only in the last eight years that I have been appreciated and my films have done ridiculously well at the box office. The last 25 years have been preparation for what is to come.”

Put two powerhouse actors in a courtroom, arm them with a gripping story, and sparks are bound to fly. Director Siddharth P Malhotra has done just that with Netflix’s courtroom drama Ikka, reuniting Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna nearly three decades after Border (1997). The casting came at the right moment.

While Deol expanded his fan base with Gadar 2: The Katha Continues (2023) and Border 2, Khanna became one of the biggest talking points with Dhurandhar (2025). “They were simply the right actors for the story,” he shares.

Malhotra reveals that he approached Deol for the project almost a year-and-a-half before it materialised. “I told Sunny sir this is a script I want him to do and he liked it. When [the platform] came on board and heard the script, I went back to him and he said, ‘Great, let’s do this’.”

For Deol’s courtroom adversary, Malhotra had only one name in mind. “They asked me who I wanted for the antagonist and I said Akshaye Khanna,” he says, adding that the actor loved the script after reading it in one go.

Ikka centres on a respected lawyer, played by Deol, who is forced to defend a man he had previously helped convict. For Malhotra, the moral conflict is the story’s biggest draw. “The challenge of the script itself is the character’s moral dilemma. The lines between right and wrong and their perspectives are blurring. That’s what makes it interesting for me as a storyteller.”

The filmmaker deliberately avoided presenting Deol as the morally infallible hero. “I’ve seen him in Damini [1993]. Why do I have to give people Damini again? It’s fun to see him be emotionally correct even if he’s morally incorrect,” he smiles.

Twenty-five years after Gadar: Ek Prem Katha hit the theatres, actor Sunny Deol looks back at the film’s lasting impact and the love audiences continue to shower on his character Tara Singh. Released in 2001, the film became a blockbuster long before social media, influencer campaigns and instant audience reactions shaped a movie’s success.

Speaking about why he took up the role, Sunny says, “I chose Gadar because I loved the story. Whenever a story truly connects with me, I don’t take much time to say yes. This was one of those films.”

The 68-year-old believes the film’s enduring popularity comes from its emotional honesty. “At its core, Gadar is a story of purity. It is a simple, honest love story that touches every human being, regardless of who they are or where they come from. I knew audiences would like it, but I never imagined it would become so deeply loved that Tara Singh would go on to feel like a member of people’s families. For me, the film remains one of the greatest love stories ever told,” he says.

According to Sunny, Tara Singh’s devotion to his family remains universally relatable. He says, “That instinct, that love, that devotion to family is something everyone understands. It is universal.”

Sunny also credits the film’s music for its longevity. “The songs became part of people’s memories. Those who heard them 25 years ago still connect with them today.”

Among his favourite moments is the scene where Sakina (played by Ameesha Patel) ties Tara Singh’s turban: “There is something incredibly pure and beautiful about that moment.”

For Sunny, the film’s greatest legacy is the audience’s affection. “Love. Belief. Acknowledgement. And when people give you that kind of love and faith, it gives you tremendous strength,” he concludes.

More than two decades later, Gadar 2 (2023) recreated much of the original film’s frenzy, emerging as a blockbuster at the box office and earning over Rs. 680 crore globally.

Filmmaker and trade expert, Girish Johar recalls that Gadar was already carrying tremendous buzz before its release. Its music had become popular and audience anticipation was high. In comparison, Lagaan appeared to be lagging initially.

“People couldn’t quite understand what Lagaan was about from its early promotional material. The creative images showed 11 men in rural costumes. And at the time, (Gadar director) Anil Sharma was a far more commercially successful director than (Lagaan director) Ashutosh Gowariker, so the odds were largely in Gadar’s favour,” he says.

Johar adds that Lagaan’s lengthy runtime also posed challenges. “Being a three-hour film, only a limited number of shows could be accommodated. There was also confusion over whether the film would have one interval or two. But the clash itself was incredibly exciting. Exhibitors were eager to screen both films, but show-sharing wasn’t common in single-screen theatres then. It was a tough call which film to screen, but all these are now fond memories.”

Nitin Datar, former president of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, recalls that many single-screen theatres preferred allocating more shows to Gadar during its initial run.

Explaining the reason, he says, “Gadar was an action film in which the protagonist takes on Pakistan’s police and political leaders. It evoked national sentiments among the audiences. I still remember people shouting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ inside theatres.”

He points out that Lagaan also carried a patriotic undercurrent, though in a very different way. “Lagaan was also rooted in national pride, but the conflict was against the British and was expressed through a cricket match rather than direct action. But ultimately both the films did well.”

- Lagaan became the first Hindi film to be shot using sync sound which means that dialogues and sounds were recorded live during the shoot itself.

- Lagaan travelled to various international film festivals across the world but more importantly, it was nominated in the Best Foreign Language film at the Oscars 2001. The film’s selection was a moment of pride for Hindi cinema as it was for the first time that a commercial film had been nominated at the Oscars.

- Lagaan was the maiden production of Aamir Khan’s production house.

To mark its 25th anniversary, Lagaan returned to theatres for a limited three-day re-release on June 12, 13 and 14.

“Twenty-five years on, Lagaan remains one of Indian cinema’s defining achievements. Its return to theatres is both a celebration of the film and an opportunity for audiences to experience the scale, ambition and storytelling that make cinema timeless,” says Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Limited.

Meanwhile, Gadar enjoyed a successful re-release in 2023, becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood re-releases in India. According to trade experts, the film earned an impressive Rs. 7.78 crore during its repeat theatrical run.

Sunny Deol’s ‘handpump scene’ in Gadar: where his character Tara Singh uproots a hand pump and uses it as a weapon became iconic. What was intended as an over-the-top display of emotion and strength became one of the most recognizable images in Indian pop culture.

- Natasha Coutinho

In March, mid-day reported that Sunny Deol had quietly kicked off his next, the working title of which is ‘Antony’, in Mumbai (Sunny goes full steam ahead, March 28). Now that the Mumbai leg is wrapped up, the senior actor is heading to Goa. Nope, not for a well-deserved break, but for more work.

Sources have told us that director Balaji Ganesh has planned a month-long schedule in the state, where the leading man will shoot some critical fight sequences.

A source revealed, “This is where the story’s scale expands. The movie is about Sunny’s cop character trying to bust a crime syndicate in Goa. Naturally, some of the film’s biggest action set-pieces are planned here. A major fight sequence involves a high-speed pursuit along the coastal roads, followed by combat set against the shoreline. The unit is also planning a night shoot featuring explosions and heavy-duty stunts, with Sunny sir performing a large part of the action himself.”

The movie also stars Jyotika, and Vijay Varma as the antagonist.

Sunny Deol is in no mood to slow down after the strong start to 2026 with Border 2. In the first week of March, the senior actor kicked off his yet-untitled next, an action thriller produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, at Film City. Sources have told us that director Balaji Ganesh has almost wrapped the first schedule of the project, which also stars Jyotika and Vijay Varma.

Designed as an out-and-out action entertainer, it sees Deol play a cop. Apparently, the actor sports a distinct look — think a moustache and beard.

A source told mid-day, “Over the past three weeks, the unit has been shooting all across Mumbai. They began with an action sequence, featuring Sunny and Vijay, in Film City, where a huge set depicting a carnival was erected. Over the past fortnight, they shot at a bungalow in Bandra, then in a college near Churchgate, followed by a stint at Marol Police Camp in Andheri East.”

As soon as the director calls it a wrap on the first leg on March 30, filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari will come calling for Ramayana: Part 2. The source added, “Sunny wants to complete his portions of Hanuman by April-end. In May, he will resume his cop role in Goa.”

The film will reach the finish line by July.

The 78th BAFTAs on Sunday marked a rare moment of global recognition of Indian cinema when late veteran Dharmendra was honoured in the In Memoriam section. Emotional about the tribute, his wife actor-MP Hema Malini (77) tells us, “It was a beautiful moment and he deserves it. It’s a huge honour not just for us, but for the entire country. There will never be another like him.”

There has been much speculation that Hema and her daughters, Esha and Ahana, don’t get along with Dharmendra’s other family: wife, Prakash Kaur, sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita. However, Esha and Ahana’s appearance with Sunny at the screening of his film Border 2 on January 25 helped quieten some of the chatter.

Setting the record straight, Hema shares, “I was invited, too. But I couldn’t make it... Dharam ji Papa hain na, unke liye sab kuch bhi karenge. Be it these bachchas (Esha and Ahana) or those bachchas (Sunny, Bobby). They are very fond of each other. There is no negativity at all between the family (members). When Dharam ji is there, where is the negativity? He was a source of love, strength and values that he has passed on to them. People should understand instead of talking this and that.”

Tuesday (February 24) marked three months since the veteran’s demise. “I think of it and get teary-eyed, but I am being strong,” she says, adding, “I’m keeping myself busy with my dance shows. Dharam ji loved watching me dance; he would say I should never stop because it’s important to be mentally and physically fit. He loved watching the girls dance, too. He appreciated that we are maintaining Indian tradition.”

Ask if she will be seen on screen anytime soon, and she shares, “If any good film role comes my way, I will do it. But kuch achha aata hi nahin; and I’m not sure about OTT.”

Riding high on the hit status of Border 2, Sunny Deol is set to juggle five releases this year, with four films arriving in quick succession. While Gabru is slated for May 8, followed by Ikka, which may stream on Netflix from June, another of Deol’s movies, Soorya, has finally been completed and the team is looking at a June or July release. Aamir Khan’s Lahore 1947 is scheduled for August 13, while Ramayana is expected to arrive in November.

A trade source tells mid-day, “It is a golden year for Sunny Deol with five confirmed releases lined up. Though each genre is different, will the audiences be able to take in so many of his movies at the same time? Some movies may need to be reshuffled. Though Gabru which was being planned as a direct-to-OTT release will now arrive in cinemas on May 8. Described as the Satyakaam [1969] of Sunny’s career, it has been directed by Shashank Udapurkar and has Salman Khan in a cameo. Sunny plays a middle-aged family man who wants to live the rest of his life meaningfully through his service to humanity.”

Producer Deepak Mukut says of Soorya, “The film is complete. Now it’s in the post-production phase. Once that gets done, we will finalize the release date. We are looking for a good date in the month of June or July, as we want to showcase it well.”

Mumbai: Men with dad bodies, crow feet and grey hair around balding pates are barrelling the cinema box office with gravitas, character and depth. They are also charging hefty premiums while crashing the youngsters' rave in cinema halls and OTT platforms. Films starring mature actors aged 50-70 have recorded impressive box-office collections across Hindi and southern cinema reflecting audiences' growing preference for acting skills and character depth over stardom hype and social media gimmicks, leading producers and distributors told ET. The "second innings" of these actors have turned the match.

In recent years, mature actors such as Sunny Deol (68), Chiranjeevi (70), Nandamuri Balakrishna (65), Venkatesh (65) and Akshaye Khanna (50) have either delivered solo hits or contribute meaningfully to noteworthy hits, giving a run for the money to younger peers.

Notably, these mature actors today are charging fees in the Rs. 15-50 crore range, considerably higher than Rs. 2-10 crore they charged at the prime of their careers, trade analysts said.

Films such as Border 2 (India collection: Rs. 335.7 crore), Dhurandhar (India collection: Rs. 1,004 crore), Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (India collection: Rs. 245 crore), Daaku Maharaaj (India collection: Rs. 108 crore) and Sankranthiki Vasthunam (India collection: Rs. 225 crore) are prominent successes of these mature actors.

"It is impressive that films of mature actors are recording above Rs. 100 crore at the box office almost consistently. After Gadar 2 and Jaat, Sunny Deol delivered another winner in Border 2 at the age of 68 in today's highly unpredictable times," explained Shaaminder Malik, film distributor and trade analyst.

Producers attribute the captivating charisma of these long-established stars as a fundamental reason for their success.

"Across languages, actors in their 50s and above are delivering extraordinary performances. Films today demand larger-than-life, deeply rooted Indian characters. These mature actors who have distinct personalities are showcasing these elements with conviction and gravitas. Audiences are returning to theatres because these actors bring in certain authenticity," said Sunil Bohra, co-founder, Bohra Bros.

These actors have long-established connections with multiple generations of audiences, which works for them.

"These stars attract a wide and multi-generational audience. In a time when younger actors are over-exposed across platforms, the familiarity, trust and legacy of these mature stars work in their favour," shared Suniel Wadhwa, co-founder and director, Karmic Films.

He said that today's audiences are less focused on actors' age. They value depth of talent, presence, nuances, and suitability for roles.

Producers said that the emergence of credible larger-than-life stories such as Dhurandhar have worked in favour of these stars.

"The wave seems to have shifted from south to Hindi film industry. Directors in Hindi film industry are making credible larger-than-life films. These films are working as audiences are responding to them. These mature actors are talented. Today, the difference is they are getting the right roles which exploit their talent," explained producer Rajesh R Nair.

These stars' flexibility in accepting roles which are beyond their 'set image', opportunities from streaming platforms, and almost constant social media buzz around them have worked for these stars, producers said.

Legions of fans have flocked to the theatres to watch Border 2 since its release. Yet, one person has quietly stayed away from the Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty-starrer — Suniel Shetty. Last week, even as Suniel attended the première of his son’s war drama, he was seen hanging outside the auditorium, while his wife Mana Shetty, daughter Athiya, and son-in-law K L Rahul watched the movie with Ahan.

“I sat for three-and-a-half hours outside the theatre, meeting people and soaking in all the compliments,” he smiled, recalling the evening.

Some may be baffled by his decision. But others may identify with Suniel, seeing how his deep desire for his son’s success led him to make a vow. “I had said from Day One that I will not watch Border 2 until it crosses a worldwide collection of Rs. 500 crore. I had kept a mannat for Ahan. Till now, I haven’t watched a single frame. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not arrogance about the film,” shared the senior actor, who had played Assistant Commandant Bhairon Singh Rathore in the 1997 original directed by J P Dutta.

What happens if director Anurag Singh’s latest instalment — which depicts a chapter of the 1971 India-Pakistan war — falls short of the figure? Suniel is hopeful that a father’s prayers will not go unanswered.

“I am hoping it will cross Rs 500 crore. Mana loved Border 2. Everybody who has watched the film has appreciated Ahan’s work. I am happy that after Dhurandhar [2025], another Hindi movie has worked brilliantly.”

Hopefully it will be a matter of time before the proud father can watch the movie on the big screen. He has already made plans for the big day.

“I will watch it with Ahan, his friends, and my family. I will also take Sunny paaji, Varun, and all of them with me. It will probably be the second time for them, but it will be my first. I don’t know how many times I will watch it after that. I have always been proud of Ahan and his decisions. He strongly believed that Border 2 was the film he wanted to do.”

The year couldn’t have begun on a more celebratory note for Mithoon. January reverberated with the sounds of his songs from Border 2. People around him might have a different opinion on recreations, but as the composer-singer sits for a chat with mid-day, he is only filled with love and pride about revisiting the classic tracks of Border (1997) for the sequel. Excerpts from the interview.

Bhushan Kumar [producer], Anurag Singh, and Nidhi Dutta [writer and producer] said they were planning a sequel to Border. Some things are non-negotiable. For example, everybody in the room knew that Border 2 would be incomplete without a couple of elements — one is Sunny [Deol] sir. The second is its iconic songs like Sandese Aate Hain and Toh Chaloon. Everyone felt I should be given the task of recreating them. But I was clear from day one that I wanted Anu Malik ji’s approval because those two songs are owned by him, and Javed [Akhtar] saab, who has written them. Anu ji agreed. That set the ball rolling.

I don’t relate to pressure. Whether it’s an original song or a recreation, I don’t feel pressure because if you let it get to you, the battle is lost there itself. These are songs that people still relate to. In fact, there could be a Border 3, 4 or more [instalments], these songs will always be a part of its ethos.

Javed saab is entitled to his opinion. But there are new characters in this movie, and they needed a fresh perspective. That is where the director and all of us felt the necessity to add a couple of new antras to the track. Again, it was in sync with the song.

 

I do. I recreated Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava and Main Nikla in Gadar 2 [2023]. It’s what the story demands, and certain songs are etched into certain stories forever.

Sunny Deol’s yet-untitled next, which marks his maiden collaboration with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s banner Excel Entertainment, was to go on floors in December 2025. mid-day has learnt that after a shift in its production timeline, the film — touted to be a big-budget action thriller — is set to roll in the first week of February. The leading man will report to the set on February 10.

A source close to the development revealed that the change was mutually agreed upon to accommodate the actor’s commitments in January.

The insider said, “Sunny is tied up with the promotional campaign of Border 2. Rather than rushing into the shoot, the makers felt it would be best to push the project and begin with complete focus.”

Prep on the film has begun, with director Balaji having planned a tightly scheduled shoot. “The first leg kicks off in Andheri, Mumbai. Sunny has allotted bulk dates, and the idea is to wrap the project by summer 2026,” added the source.

2025 ended on a deeply emotional note for Hema Malini. Her husband, legendary actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24, leaving behind a void that is difficult to fill. As 2026 begins, the actress is slowly returning to work and trying to find her footing again. In an exclusive conversation with us, Hema Malini opens up about the pain of losing a lifelong companion, the distress caused by media speculation during his illness, the much-talked-about separate prayer meetings, and plans surrounding his cherished Lonavala farmhouse.

“It was a companionship that stood the test of time,” says Hema Malini, reflecting on her relationship with Dharmendra. Speaking about how she dealt with the shock of losing him, she shares, "It was an inconsolable shock. It has been terrible because for a month we were struggling when he was not well. We were constantly trying to cope with whatever was happening in the hospital. We were all there—I, Esha, Ahana, Sunny, Bobby—all together. In the past, there had been instances when he went to the hospital and came back home fine. We thought iss baar bhi aa jayenge. He was talking to us nicely. On my birthday (October 16), he even wished me. His birthday was coming up on December 8, when he was turning 90, and we were thinking of celebrating it nicely. The preparations were on, and then suddenly, he was not there. To personally see him sink was very difficult. Nobody should have to go through this kind of situation."

Addressing the misinformation circulating online, Hema Malini urges people not to believe everything they see.

She says, “There is so much content that I am seeing where there are videos of me crying, and my eyes look sore and red. I request people not to fall for all this. After seeing such things, my fans and friends are sending me sympathetic messages, asking me to be strong. But I am a very strong person. I keep my emotions to myself. When my mother passed away 20 years ago, I wondered whether I would be able to live without her, but I did. This is what life teaches us. Time doesn’t wait for anybody. I keep telling my daughters the same thing every time they cry or get upset. We miss Dharam ji every minute. Aaj subah thepla banaya tha, which he loved having with chutney. He liked having idli sambar, and coffee in our house. So, whenever these things are made at home, we miss him deeply. It is important for us to keep him alive in our hearts and memories. We have so many videos together, woh dekhke toh rona aa jata hai.”

The actress admits that the constant media spotlight during the actor’s illness was distressing for the family. “Sunny was getting upset and angry. We all were going through an emotional time and the media was running behind our cars... harassment bahut hua,” she says.

Hema Malini fondly recalls the quiet moments she shared with Dharmendra, especially at his beloved farmhouse in Lonavala. She says, “His farm in Lonavala is extremely beautiful; it feels like a mini Punjab. He has cows there, and we get ghee from the farm. Just two months back, he brought three bottles of ghee for us, saying, ‘Yeh Esha ke liye hai, yeh Ahana ke liye hai, aur yeh tumhare liye.’ He was a loving and wonderful human being. Whenever I was not around, he would spend time in Lonavala. When I went to Mathura or Delhi for work, we used to adjust our schedules, and whenever I returned, he would come back and spend time with me at my house in Mumbai. That is how we have been happily living, along with our grandchildren. Sometimes, he would stay at Ahana’s house as well. Together, we have shared so many beautiful moments. He has been a part of our existence, and suddenly, for the past month, he is no longer there. It is very difficult to come to terms with this. Whenever I had to make a decision, I would ask him.”

As the new year unfolds, Hema says she is ready to return to her responsibilities and creative pursuits. “I am resuming my work now. I am heading to Mathura. I will be starting my performances, shows, aur jo jo kaam hai I will continue doing that because that is what would make Dharam ji happy,” she says.

There was a lot of speculation around the separate prayer meetings in memory of Dharmendra. Reports online speculated on why Hema Malini and her daughters were not present at the prayer meet organized by Sunny, Bobby and their family.

Addressing the issue directly, Hema clarifies, “Yeh humare ghar ka personal mamla hai. We talked to each other. I kept one prayer meet at my home because my group of people are different. Then, I kept one in Delhi because I am in politics, and it was important for me to keep a prayer meeting there for my friends from that field. Mathura is my constituency, and the people there are mad about him. So, I kept a prayer meeting there as well. I am happy with what I did.”

When asked whether Dharmendra’s much-loved Lonavala farmhouse could be turned into a museum for his fans, Hema Malini shares, “I think Sunny is planning to do something on those lines. He will definitely do it. Everything is happening in a nice way. So there’s no need to worry ki yeh do alag families hai, pata nahi kya hoga. Kisiko itni fikr karne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Hum log ekdum achche hai.”

The new lease of life post ‘Gadar 2’ (2023) he got has Sunny Deol looking at his career differently. He is now picking projects that surprise him and his loyal audience. While the actor is set to play Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’, sources now inform that Namit Malhotra (producer and CEO Double Negative) is fast-tracking a Hanuman-centric musical film, with Deol as the top choice to headline it.

The project, described internally as a “mythological-pop opera with thunderous action”, is rumoured to be the second major entry in the Ramayan Universe (R-Verse). “The moment they saw the initial writing of Hanuman’s sequences in ‘Ramayana’, the team knew he needed his own stage. And Sunny paaji’s name kept coming up because who else could play it better than him, as he is also part of the original,” shares a source close to the development.

Insiders inform that the makers plan to blend legend, music, high-octane set pieces, aerial combat, flaming-torch choreography, and a 12-minute song described as a battle hymn. They add that the makers plan to have “Avengers-styled interconnected storylines with recurring characters and crossovers. Hanuman is their Hulk — unstoppable, beloved, and built for spectacle.”

If things fall into place, the musical may roll into production by late next year.

- ‘Border 2’ — set to come on January 2026

- ‘Gabru’ — scheduled for March 13, 2026

- ‘Ramayana – Part I & Part II’ — Sunny is rumoured to play Hanuman

- ‘Lahore, 1947’ — The period drama directed by Rajkumar Santoshi

- ‘Soorya’ — The Hindi remake of ‘Joseph’ (2018)

- ‘Baap’ — Nostalgic action ensemble film with veteran stars

- ‘Jaat 2’ — Sequel to ‘Jaat’

- ‘Coal King’ — Film in  discussion with director Anil Sharma

Imagining the world of Apne (2007) without Dharmendra is hard not only for the legend’s fans, but also for producer Deepak Mukut and director Anil Sharma. In fact, after the veteran actor’s demise on November 24, Sharma, in a media interaction, said that Apne 2 would be shelved. However, the latest update is that the sequel — starring Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Karan Deol — is being rewritten since the script originally had Dharmendra in a pivotal role.

Talking to mid-day, Mukut reveals that he had narrated the script to Dharmendra only a few months ago. The veteran actor was gung-ho about reuniting with his sons on the silver screen, and more importantly, about sharing screen space with his grandson Karan.

He shares, “Dharam ji was very excited about the sequel. It was one of his wishes to make Apne 2 with his children. We are reworking the script now, which will be told from the point of view of Sunny and Bobby’s characters. There will be some changes as Dharam ji is no more, and we’ll miss him dearly. We are working on incorporating Dharam ji’s character in some way.”

The second instalment will be the producer’s “shraddhanjali” to the late actor. “If I cannot make a movie with Dharam ji, I can pay my respects to him through it. Apne 2 will be made and it will be a tribute to Dharam ji,” emphasizes Mukut.

A family drama, Apne told the story of Dharmendra’s Baldev Singh Choudhary, who hoped to regain his lost glory as a boxer through his sons. The next edition will take the original story forward. “It is a continuation of the original, and Karan will be introduced as Angad’s [Sunny’s character] son,” reveals the producer. One wonders why Sharma announced shelving the sequel when work on it is ongoing.

Ask Mukut, and he says, “I don’t know why Anil said it. When I asked him, he flatly denied having said that the sequel is shelved.”

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Dharmendra and Sunny Deol appeared together in ‘Sultanat’ (1986) and ‘Kshatriya’ (1993). The veteran actor had a cameo in ‘Sunny’ (1984), but didn’t share screen space with his son.

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‘Apne’ was the first film that saw Dharmendra share screen space with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. The trio then appeared in the ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ franchise, which had three instalments.

For Ali Fazal, the past two months were all about two cities and two different stories. Since October, the actor was filming the last leg of Rajkumar Santoshi’s Lahore 1947 in Mumbai and Punjab, juggling it with the Varanasi schedule of Mirzapur: The Film. Last week, he wrapped up his portions in the Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, and Shabana Azmi-led period drama that is set against the backdrop of India’s partition.

Reflecting on being part of the Aamir Khan production, Fazal said that the experience surpassed his expectations.

“Working under Rajkumar Santoshi sir’s direction has been a masterclass, and sharing screen space with powerhouses like Sunny sir, Preity ma’am, and Shabana ji has been an honour. Each day on set felt like a lesson in humility and dedication to the craft,” he said.

What made the project all the more special is knowing that it told an important story.

The actor added, “Lahore 1947 is rooted in our history, but carries emotions that are timeless and speaks to everyone. This story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit.”

Bollywood legend Dharmendra, 89, passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday, November 24, following a month-long illness. His eldest son, Sunny Deol, conducted the last rites at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle at 1:30 pm, with members of the Deol family by his side. Joining them were Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Abhishek Bachchan, and Agastya Nanda, among others.

The actor's health had been cause for concern since he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for breathing difficulties, on October 31. Well-placed sources informed mid-day that it was initially described as a precautionary, routine age-related health check-up, but when his respiratory problems persisted, it indicated serious distress to his lungs. On November 1, he had been placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for closer monitoring.

On November 10, Dharmendra’s condition had deteriorated further, which is when he was put on ventilator support in the ICU. However, speculative news reports on his health led to immediate pushback from his family, who claimed he was “stable and improving.”

In the early hours of November 12, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital. His treating physician, Dr Pratit Samdani, confirmed to the media that the family had decided to continue his recovery at home. He said, “Dharmendra-ji was discharged around 7:30 am. He will be treated at home, as the family has decided to give him treatment at home.”

On the same day, the family also issued a public appeal, requesting privacy amid swirling media speculation. They said, “Mr Dharmendra has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home. We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from any further speculation and to respect his and the family’s privacy during this time. We appreciate everyone’s love, prayers, and good wishes for his continued recovery, good health, and long life. Please respect him because he loves you.”

According to sources close to the family, Dharmendra’s health was still fragile after leaving the hospital, with regular checkups continuing at his Juhu residence, even while prep for his 90th birthday was underway.

On the closing night of the Jagran Film Festival, collaborator and filmmaker Anil Sharma told the press, “He is doing much better than before. Please pray for him. God willing, we will celebrate his birthday on December 8, with much fanfare.” Unfortunately, this was not to be.

Dharmendra is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, Ajeeta Deol, Ahana Deol, and Esha Deol. Dharmendra’s family said that his final days were spent surrounded by loved ones as he battled his health issues quietly.

Dharmendra became the template of a leading man for a whole generation. He was able to bring warmth and toughness, which rewired how heroes were portrayed in Hindi cinema through the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. He effortlessly transitioned from being an action hero to a romantic lead, showing why versatility is essential to stardom. 

In pop culture, Dharmendra turned into a larger-than-life figure. The “He-Man of Bollywood” label stuck partly because he embodied the classic strong-but-soft archetype. But his movies reflected his range. Sholay is the obvious crown jewel, where his chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan helped define buddy-action films. But it’s the comedies like Chupke Chupke that made him a household name. Films like Phool Aur Patthar, Dharamveer, Dreamgirl, Blackmail, Anupama, Bandini, Satyakam, and Seeta Aur Geeta showed the world how he could switch between genres effortlessly — going from small dramas to blockbuster action fare to grand romance, even supporting parts in strong films, all for a good movie in his repertoire.

His last film is the upcoming war drama Ikkis, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal. Helmed by Sriram Raghavan, it is set to release on December 25.