‘There Will Be No Dharmendra Again’: Sholay Director Ramesh Sippy Remembers His ‘Veeru’

Director Ramesh Sippy, who created the cult movie Sholay, spoke about the late superstar Dharmendra journey. The filmmaker spoke at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in a session titled

’50 Years of Sholay: Why Sholay Still Resonates’. Ramesh Sippy opened up about the legend, reflecting on their five-decade friendship and Dharmendra’s indelible legacy in the Indian film industry.

When an audience member asked him about the actor, Sippy paused before reportedly saying, “It’s been difficult talking about him. It (Dharmendra’s death) just happened. I think he was the most wonderful man, one of the finest ever. That place will never be filled by anybody else. I am sure we will have other actors who are good, but there will be no Dharmendra again. He was absolutely magnificent, both as a human being and as an actor.”

Ramesh Sippy Remembers Sholay Stars

Remembering Dharmendra, Ramesh added, “Three out of six great actors of Sholay – Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, and now Dharmendra – are no more. We definitely miss them.” Dharmendra, had a long-standing friendship with Ramesh Sippy. His portrayal of Veeru in the 1975 movie remains one of his most memorable performances. Sholay starred Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini in the key roles. The film, released in 1975, is regarded as one of the most iconic of all time.

Film Industry Mourns Dharmendra

The actor had been ailing for quite some time. He was brought to the Breach Candy Hospital in mid-November and placed on a ventilator. He was eventually discharged, and his treatment continued at home. Later, he passed away on November 24. Dharmendra’s final rites, held on November 25, were attended by family members and several major Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Salim Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, among others.