In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood many films come and go but there are a few films that continue to remain etched in the hearts of the audience for years. One such example of this is the iconic Sholay. Released in 1975 this blockbuster still resonates with the audience even after 5 decades of its release. And now its all geared up to return to the big screen. The iconic film will not just take people down memory lane but it also carries an emotional tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra who passed away on November 24 2025. Amid the nostalgia filmmaker Ramesh Sippy has revisited a deeply personal chapter from the sets of Sholay Dharmendra’s real-life romance with Hema Malini. When reel mirrored real on the sets of Sholay Reflecting on the off-screen bond between Dharmendra and Hema Malini Sippy revealed that their relationship was at its peak while the film was being shot. He also shared how Dharmendra confessed his love for Hema Malini on the sets of Sholay. Sippy also revealed that his confession only strengthened their on-screen chemistry. Sharing his thoughts the filmmaker said “What’s happening in the film that’s also the reality now. So it felt nice. I also felt it’s good for the film because the real romance reflects on screen as well.” Sippy had previously worked with both actors in his 1973 comedy Seeta Aur Geeta and had earlier revealed how he convinced Dharmendra to play Veeru instead of Gabbar or Thakur telling him “You won’t get Hema Malini otherwise!” ‘It was his confession of real love’ Recalling the filming of one of Sholay’s most memorable scenes Sippy shared how Dharmendras emotional state was vivid. He said “He was in the mood. He drank a few pegs. I know that because I could see it in the way he climbed up and down the water tank. It used to scare me too.” Sippy added that when he followed Dharmendra up the water tank the actor reassured him saying nothing would go wrong. “So I gave him a free hand. Because it was his confession of love in front of everyone.” He added “He was ready to sacrifice his love so even Mausiji relented. Since this was his confession of real love he put all his might into it.” Sippy also shared that this confession only made the scene on screen even more convincing as Dharmendra was deeply invested because the scene mirrored his real-life feelings for Hema Malini. The filmmaker observed that the actor’s emotions were genuine making the performance even more powerful and timeless. Dharmendra Eternal Legacy Dharmendra took his last breath at the age of 89 after battling a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife Hema Malini; his daughters Esha and Ahana Deol; and his children Sunny Bobby Vijeta and Ajeeta Deol from his marriage to Prakash Kaur.