Dharmendra still recalls the day he confronted director Hrishikesh Mukherjee about being replaced by Rajesh Khanna in the film “Anand”. The actor had been initially offered the lead role but was later dropped without any explanation. Dharmendra shared the story of how he approached Mukherjee, who had narrated the film’s story to him earlier, and asked about his role in the project.
One day, Dharmendra mustered the courage to confront Mukherjee and asked, “Where is my ‘Anand’?” Mukherjee told him that he would work with him on another film, but Dharmendra was keen on knowing what happened to his role in “Anand”. When Mukherjee asked him to go to sleep, Dharmendra replied, “I won’t be able to sleep until I get my ‘Anand’.”
Despite the controversy surrounding “Anand”, Dharmendra still holds Mukherjee in high regard and was saddened by his demise. The actor is now set to star in the film “Maine Pyar Kiya Phir Se” alongside Arbaaz Khan, which is scheduled to release in November 2025.
Early Days
Dharmendra’s career in Bollywood spans over five decades, with numerous iconic films to his credit. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The actor’s early days in the film industry were marked by struggles and challenges, but he persevered and eventually made a name for himself.
A Look Back at “Anand”
Released in 1971, “Anand” is still considered one of the best films in Bollywood. The movie, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, starred Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles. The film’s story, narration, and direction were widely praised, and it remains a classic in Indian cinema.
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Upcoming Projects
Dharmendra is set to star in the film “Maine Pyar Kiya Phir Se”, which will mark his return to the big screen after a gap of 27 years. The film, directed by Arbaaz Khan, is scheduled to release in November 2025. Fans of the actor are eagerly awaiting his comeback and are excited to see him on the big screen once again.