From Close Ties to Lost Opportunity: Santoshi’s Dharmendra Story

Rajkumar Santoshi’s relationship with Dharmendra was marked by mutual respect and friendship, yet the director admits that the most significant gap in his filmography is the absence of a Dharmendra‑led project. Speaking to reporters on September 8, Santoshi said the thought of this missed chance often brings him to tears.

He recalled Dharmendra’s understated approach to fame, noting that the actor never sought the limelight for self‑promotion. Instead, Dharmendra built a diverse portfolio, working with directors such as Manmohan Desai, Rishikesh Mukherjee, and Vimal Roy, and delivering memorable performances in both commercial entertainers and serious, character‑driven films.

Dharmendra’s passing on November 24, 2025, at 89, left a void that Santoshi feels deeply. The director later directed “Bantwara 1947,” starring Sunny Deol, Dharmendra’s elder son. The film, released on August 14, 2026, featured a strong supporting cast and garnered mixed reviews, but it could not fill the lingering regret of never having worked directly with the legendary actor.