Dharmendra’s Loss Shakes Apne 2 Plans
The sudden passing of legendary actor Dharmendra last November left the entire film industry in mourning. For the makers of Apne, it also threw the fate of the long-anticipated sequel into uncertainty. Initially, filmmaker Anil Sharma stated that making Apne 2 without Dharmendra was unthinkable. But soon after, producer Deepak Mukut expressed a desire to go ahead with the project as a tribute to the late star. Now, the film’s writer Neerraj Pathak has opened up about what really happened behind the scenes.
In an exclusive conversation, Pathak clarified that both Sharma and Mukut were speaking from a place of deep affection. “They both loved Dharam ji immensely,” Pathak said. “Anil ji couldn’t imagine the film without him, while Deepak ji wanted to honor his memory. There was no disagreement — only emotion.”
Old Script Scrapped, New Idea on the Horizon
Pathak revealed that the original script for Apne 2 had Dharmendra in a pivotal role. “He had a major part in that version,” the writer explained. “That script cannot be made now because it’s built entirely around his character.” However, Pathak hasn’t given up hope. He suggested that a completely fresh narrative could bring the sequel to life — but only after a respectful pause.
“We can think of a new story, but it’s too soon right now,” he said. “Maybe in six to eight months, we can sit down and figure out something fresh. It wouldn’t be right to rewrite the old script. We need to start from scratch.”
What’s Next for the Apne Franchise?
The original Apne, released in 2007, was a sports-family drama that starred Dharmendra alongside his real-life sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, with Katrina Kaif and Shilpa Shetty in key roles. The film was a hit and fans have been waiting for a sequel for years. Now, with Dharmendra no longer with us, the franchise faces a tough creative challenge.
Industry insiders say that while the old script is off the table, the producers are keen to keep the spirit of Apne alive. Pathak’s comments suggest that the team is open to exploring new storylines that don’t rely on the late actor’s character. For now, it’s a waiting game — but the door for Apne 2 isn’t completely shut.