Bollywood's Apne 2 dream isn't dead—it's just getting a major rewrite. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, writer Neerraj Pathak has revealed what insiders have been whispering since Dharmendra's passing in November: the original Apne 2 script had the late legend in a major role—one that can't simply be recast.
"Dharam ji had a key character in that script. He had a major role," Pathak said. "So, we won't be able to make a film on that script because it can't be made without Dharam ji."
The revelation explains why filmmaker Anil Sharma initially said the sequel couldn't happen without the iconic actor. But producer Deepak Mukut has been pushing for Apne 2 as a tribute to Dharmendra, creating a behind-the-scenes divide between the two men.
"Both had spoken out of their love for Dharam ji," Pathak clarified, adding that Sharma and Mukut were acting from emotion, not conflict. "Everyone was emotionally disturbed. We still are."
The good news? Pathak hinted that Apne 2 could still materialize—just not with the original blueprint. "Apne 2 can be made through a new story," he said. "But I am not sure when it would be made because I feel it is too early right now. Maybe, we can think about it in 6-8 months."
The 2007 original starred Dharmendra alongside Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Katrina Kaif, and Shilpa Shetty in a sports-drama that became a cult favourite. Any sequel would have massive shoes to fill—and now, an even bigger emotional weight to carry.
