Just as much as fans want sequels to their favourite films to be made eventually, directors also have such dream projects. For Anil Sharma, it was a sequel to his 2007 film, Apne. Starring the Deol trio of Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Deol, the film followed the story of two brothers wanting to fulfil the dreams of their father in the boxing ring. 

There were talks of a sequel being in the works with the film being announced in 2022, but with Dharmendra’s tragic death on Monday, November 24, 2025, the odds aren’t working in the film’s favour. It would seem as though the sequel will not be happening after all. 

Apne 2 sequel will never be made 

Anil Sharma had previously directed Dharmendra in various projects, including Hukumat, Elaan-e-Jang, and Policewala Gunda. Speaking with Hindustan Times, the director touched upon the tough subject of the legendary actor’s death. He made it very clear that Apne 2 will not be happening. 

Babaji ke aashirwaad aur aapke pyaar ki wajah se aaj hum vapas ek sath nazar aayenge. Feeling blessed to get a chance to work with my father, brother again this time with my son. #Apne2, in cinemas Diwali 2021 pic.twitter.com/XqfLJue01K

— Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) November 30, 2020

Credit: X

“Apne to apno ke bina nahi ho sakti (Apne cannot happen without our own people). Without Dharamji, it's impossible to make the sequel. Everything was on track, and the script was ready, but he left us. Some dreams remain unfulfilled. Without him, it's not possible,” he revealed. 

“I met him in early October, and he said, ‘Anil, koi achhi kahani la, achhi film karni hai... camera meri mehbooba hai, mujhe yaad karti hai. Mujhe jana hai uske samne.' (Anil, please bring some good stories, we must make a good film. The camera is my beloved; it keeps calling me. I want to face it),” he continued. 

It was obvious that Apne 2 was going to be a film that wouldn’t just mean something to Sharma and the Deol family but also the fans. Alas! It won’t be made any more. 

Anil Sharma had a deep bond with Dharmendra 

Prime Focus

Anil reminisced on the past, talking about how, in his prime, there was no other actor like Dharmendra. The legacy he created will be carried on by his family in the Bollywood industry, but no one else will be given the title of the He-Man of Bollywood. 

“He was a great actor and an amazing human being who portrayed his characters beautifully. I was a huge fan of his. When I was living in Mathura, there were only two stars: Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra. Dharamji's connection with his fans was incredible. He was a great actor — unaware of the legend he was, and will remain, even after he has gone,” Sharma said. 

For him, there was no one who could compare to Dharmendra. He hadn’t just worked with him, but he was also a big fan of the actor, increasing the respect he had for the legend. 

Header and Social Image Credits: Prime Focus and Instagram/aapkadharam