Filmmaker Anil Sharma just revealed details about a movie which could easily be one of the biggest Bollywood filsm! He has brought back into focus a fascinating, lesser-known story from the 1980s - a grand spy thriller titled Sher, starring Dharmendra, that ultimately never saw the light of day.
Have you heard about Dharmendra's shelved Bond-style film?
As fans wish the iconic actor a speedy recovery at age 89, Sharma shared a rare poster and talked about the ambitious film, which was designed to showcase Dharmendra in a James Bond–style role.
Sharma revealed that Sher was planned before Hukumat, the 1987 hit that marked his first release with Dharmendra.
The poster he shared shows a shirtless Dharmendra with a gun.
"It was spy movie... a James bond kind character for Dharam ji. It was supposed to shot abroad," Sharma wrote on X. He also added that he shot a few action sequences and a song in Mumbai, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
Sharma says the film also had a "big star cast" and its dialogues were written by Kadar Khan. He also said the film was launched with a grand mahurat at Mumbai's Hotel Sea Rock.
Sharma revealed, "But due to some issue of producers, the film got shelved. I was almost a newcomer at that time. Kash ye film ban pati. Bahut hi jabardast and entertainment se bharpur thi script... but 'hoye vahi jo ram rach rakha'."
Though Sher stalled after its first shooting schedule, it marked the beginning of a remarkable creative partnership between Sharma and Dharmendra.
The pair later teamed up for four high-octane films, namely Hukumat (1987), Elaan-E-Jung (1989), Farishtay (1991), and Tahalka (1992). Sharma eventually continued this bond with the next generation as well, directing Sunny Deol in major hits like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and collaborating with Bobby Deol on Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo.