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Key Points

Dharmendra recently opened up about being replaced by Rajesh Khanna in the iconic film Anand. He admitted confronting director Hrishikesh Mukherjee while drunk, asking "Where is my Anand?" The Sholay star humorously said he couldn't sleep peacefully without the role. Despite the incident, Dharmendra maintains deep respect for the late filmmaker.

Key Points: Dharmendra Reveals He Confronted Hrishikesh Mukherjee Over Anand Role

  • Dharmendra was initially offered the lead role in Anand
  • He confronted Hrishikesh Mukherjee after Rajesh Khanna replaced him
  • Dharmendra admits he was upset but still respects the late director
  • The actor is reuniting with Arbaaz Khan after 27 years
3 min read

I will sleep peacefully only when I have 'Anand: When Dharmendra confronted director Hrishikesh Mukherjee for replacing him with Rajesh Khanna in film

Dharmendra shares how he confronted Hrishikesh Mukherjee for replacing him with Rajesh Khanna in Anand, saying he couldn't sleep peacefully without the role.

"I will sleep peacefully only when I have 'Anand' - Dharmendra"

Mumbai, June 13

Bollywood veteran actor Dharmendra shared an incident when he confronted the late director Hrishikesh Mukherjee for allegedly replacing him with superstar Rajesh Khanna in the film 'Anand'.

Released in 1971, 'Anand' is considered one of the finest movies in Bollywood. It starred Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead roles and was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

Rajesh Khanna's titular role in the film was reportedly first offered to the rising star of that time, Dharmendra. However, the director later allegedly replaced him without any formal explanation.

In a conversation with ANI on Friday, Dharmendra opened up about the incident and said that he once confronted the director for his removal from the film while he was drunk.

He said, "We were going to Bengaluru. He told the whole story. I was charged, naturally. He was a great director. I was very happy, and because of that, I drank a few glasses of alcohol. The next day, I read that Rajesh Khanna was working on it. So, naturally, I was a little surprised. I didn't have the courage to say it to him."

Then, one day, the actor mustered the courage to confront the late director Mukherjee and asked him, "Where is my 'Anand'?"

"I told him, Dada, you told me a story. We will do this and that while going to Bangalore. I was very happy. A good story with such a good director. And then I found out that Rajesh Khanna was working on it. At night, when I said this, he said he would do another film with me, and I was like, 'Where is my Anand?'. He told me to sleep. A little later, I again said, 'Dada'. I think he got agitated a little and then he said, 'Dharmendra, go to sleep'," said Dharmedra.

To this, the 'Sholay' actor responded, "Neend nhi aati. Anand ki neend tabhi aaegi jab mere paas 'Anand' hoga (I can't sleep. I will sleep peacefully only when I have 'Anand')"

Despite their professional and brief dispute over 'Anand', the actor said he still respects Hrishikesh Mukherjee and is sad about his passing.

Meanwhile, Dharmendra is set to reunite with actor Arbaaz Khan after 27 years with the film 'Maine Pyaar Kiya Phir Se'.

The film is set to begin its shooting schedule soon and is expected to hit theatres in November 2025, as noted in a press note shared by the makers of 'Maine Pyar Kiya Phir Se'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Such a golden era of Bollywood! Both Dharmendra and Rajesh Khanna were legends in their own right. Though I wonder how Anand would have been with Dharmendra - his intensity would have brought a different flavor to the role. But ultimately, Rajesh Khanna was perfect for that character.
P
Priya M.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee made the right call. Rajesh Khanna's vulnerable charm was exactly what Anand needed. Dharmendra ji is amazing but better suited for action/angry young man roles. Still, can't blame him for feeling hurt - every actor wants to work with great directors!
A
Anil S.
That "Neend nhi aati" line is so iconic! 😂 Only Dharmendra could say something like that. Shows how passionate actors were about their craft back then. Today's stars would just move on to the next big paycheck.
S
Sunita R.
My father always says 70s was the golden age of Hindi cinema. Stories mattered, actors were dedicated, and directors were visionaries. This anecdote proves it. Both legends - Dharmendra and Rajesh Khanna - but ultimately the director's vision must prevail.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how Dharmendra handled this professionally despite being upset. Today we'd see Twitter wars and PR statements. Shows the grace of that generation. Though I do think Mukherjee should have given him a proper explanation rather than just saying "go to sleep".
N
Neha P.
Anand is such a masterpiece that it's hard to imagine anyone else in that role. But Dharmendra's emotional honesty in this interview is touching. Shows even superstars have their vulnerable moments. Can't wait to see him in his new film! ❤️

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