Dharmendra's Lost James Bond Film: Unearthing the Shelved Spy Thriller 'Sher'

Director Anil Sharma recently unveiled fascinating details about 'Sher,' a 1986 Indo-Thai production that would have starred the legendary Dharmendra as India's answer to James Bond.

TL;DR: The Scoop on Dharmendra's Unreleased Spy Epic

• Dharmendra was set to play a James Bond-like spy in the ambitious 1986 Indo-Thai co-production 'Sher.'
• Directed by Anil Sharma, the film saw some action scenes and a song shot before it was abruptly shelved due to unresolved producer issues.
• Despite never being released, 'Sher' significantly influenced Sharma's career, paving the way for his future collaborations with the Deol family.

Imagining Dharmendra as the Dashing Desi James Bond: A Cinematic 'What If'

Picture this: Dharmendra, the epitome of the "He-Man" image in Bollywood, known for his raw power and charismatic screen presence, dons a suave persona. He’s navigating international espionage, engaging in highly stylized action sequences, and delivering witty lines with a captivating smirk. This isn't a fan fiction dream; it was the premise of 'Sher,' an ambitious spy thriller from 1986 that, against all odds, never saw the light of day.

The thought alone sparks a flurry of "what ifs" about a potential shift in Bollywood's action genre. This tantalizing peek into cinematic history comes courtesy of director Anil Sharma, who recently pulled back the curtain on this long-lost project.

Anil Sharma's Deep-Rooted Connection with the Deol Family and the Origins of 'Sher'

Anil Sharma, the visionary behind blockbusters like the 'Gadar' franchise, openly attributes a huge part of his directorial journey to the Deol family. While his biggest hits have been with Sunny Deol, Sharma's early career was cemented by none other than Sunny's father, the iconic Dharmendra.

Their collaborative streak began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, yielding four consecutive films. Yet, before their first released project, the 1987 action hit 'Hukumat,' there was 'Sher' – a film brimming with potential that, sadly, remained unfinished. Sharma recently shared the rare poster of 'Sher' on social media, reigniting curiosity about this fascinating chapter of Indian cinema.

Unearthing India's Original Desi Bond: The Grand Vision for 'Sher'

The unearthed poster of 'Sher' is a treat for fans, featuring a shirtless Dharmendra, muscles flexed, with an intense gaze, holding a gun. Sharma revealed that 'Sher' was conceived as a full-blown spy film, positioning Dharmendra as a "James Bond kind character" for the Indian screen.

The film's logline, proudly displayed on the poster, announced a lofty goal: "To save humanity!" This wasn't just a local affair; it was an international co-production, a collaboration between India’s RSD International and Thailand’s Alkemal. Such a global partnership was quite a bold undertaking for a Bollywood production in 1986, indicating the grand scale and aspirations of the project. Source: [News18.com, "Anil Sharma Recalls Dharmendra’s Shelved Spy Film Sher: ‘He Was India’s James Bond’", November 16, 2025].

Behind the Scenes of a Grand Vision: What Was Captured Before the Halt?

Despite its untimely shelving, 'Sher' wasn't just a concept on paper. Anil Sharma confirmed that actual shooting had begun. He fondly recalled filming "a few action scenes and a song composed by LP (Laxmikant-Pyarelal) on set in Mumbai."

According to Sharma, Dharmendra approached the role with a captivating blend of talents. "I Still remember @aapkadharam did highly stylish action and lovely comedy scenes," Sharma shared on X (formerly Twitter). The film also boasted a "big star cast," with dialogues penned by the veteran writer Kader Khan. Its official launch, known as a 'mahurat,' was held with fanfare at Mumbai's iconic Hotel Sea Rock, even before 'Hukumat' hit theaters. Source: [Anil Sharma, X post, November 15, 2025].

Anil Sharma on Dharmendra in 'Sher':

“It was spy movie… a James Bond kind character for Dharam ji. It was supposed to shot abroad. We shot a few action scenes and a song composed by LP On set.. in Mumbai.. I Still remember @aapkadharam did highly stylish action and lovely comedy scenes. This movie was having a big star cast. Kadar Khan wrote dialogue, did mahurat at Hotel Sea Rock before #HUKUMAT release.”

— Anil Sharma (@Anilsharma_dir), November 15, 2025

The Unfortunate Halt and its Lasting Impact on a Director's Path

Despite this promising start and a script described as "terrific and full of entertainment," 'Sher' never reached completion. Sharma attributed its shelving to "some issue of producers," a diplomatic term often used in the industry to describe financial or logistical disagreements that can halt even the most anticipated projects. He expressed genuine regret, noting, "I wish that film got made. But what happens is up to God’s wishes."

This early setback, however, didn't deter Sharma. He and Dharmendra continued their successful partnership, delivering hits like 'Hukumat' (1987), 'Elaan-E-Jung' (1989), 'Farishtay' (1991), and 'Tahalka' (1992). Years later, Sharma finally realized his spy film ambition, not with Dharmendra, but with his elder son, Sunny Deol, in 'Hero: The Love Story of a Spy' (2003). His career then intertwined further with the Deols, directing Bobby Deol in 'Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo' (2004) and even uniting all three Deol men in 'Apne' (2007).

The Inherent Challenges of Grand Cinematic Ambitions

While 'Sher' stands out as a unique "what if," it's important to remember it wasn't an isolated incident in Dharmendra's illustrious career. Many ambitious film projects, even those starring major stars, face unexpected hurdles. For instance, Dharmendra had several other films, such as 'Har Pal,' 'Devdas' (1970), 'Gunda Master,' 'Hum Mein Hai Dum,' 'Jazbaa,' and 'Ek Do Teen,' that were either completed but never released or remained unfinished due to various production issues. Source: [Asianet Newsable, "SHOCKING: Dharmendra's 7 films that were NEVER released!", November 10, 2025]. This highlights the unpredictable nature of film production, where vision and talent don't always guarantee a release.

Furthermore, an Indo-Thai co-production in 1986 would have faced significant logistical and financial complexities that are perhaps easier to navigate today. Coordinating resources, budgets, and creative visions across international borders, especially without modern communication tools, could amplify "producer issues" well beyond typical domestic disputes. This added layer of complexity made the dream of 'Sher' even more fragile.

A Glimpse into the Industry's Unforeseen Hurdles: A Mini-Story Example

Picture this: a young filmmaker, fresh off a couple of initial projects, is brimming with ideas for a spy thriller starring a living legend. He envisions international locales, stylish action, and a unique blend of drama and comedy. The mahurat is grand, the music is being recorded, and early scenes are shaping up brilliantly. Then, without warning, the project stalls, entangled in unforeseen 'producer issues.' It's a common tale in the film industry, a sudden halt that leaves a dream unfulfilled, yet sometimes, it paves the way for even bigger successes down the line. For Anil Sharma, the lessons learned from 'Sher' undoubtedly informed his approach to later, equally ambitious projects.

Beyond 'Sher': Dharmendra's Undeniable Aura and Enduring Legacy

The very idea of Dharmendra as an Indian James Bond speaks volumes about his star power and versatility. It's a testament to the fact that his appeal transcended typical hero archetypes. He was a force to be reckoned with, both on and off screen.

Filmmaker Anil Sharma himself recounted a heartwarming memory from his early days as an assistant, where even the legendary Raj Kapoor would defer his makeup room to Dharmendra, a gesture of immense respect. Sharma remembered being mesmerized by Dharmendra's "charm and humility" upon their first meeting, a persona so strong it could even turn a nervous assistant's fear into awe after a playful interaction. Source: [TOI, "'Give my makeup room to Dharmendra': Anil Sharma recalls Raj Kapoor’s admiration for 'Sholay' star...", November 12, 2025]. This deep respect and magnetic personality made him the ideal choice for a character as globally iconic as James Bond, even in a "desi" avatar.

In more current news, the 89-year-old veteran actor recently made headlines regarding his health. Thankfully, his daughter, Esha Deol, assured fans that her father is "stable and recovering" after being discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. His family has requested privacy during his recovery, reinforcing the enduring affection and concern the industry and fans hold for him.

Practical Takeaways from the Untold Story of 'Sher'

• Filmmaking is a High-Stakes Gamble: Even with a superstar and a promising concept, external factors like producer issues can unexpectedly derail a project, highlighting the industry's inherent unpredictability.
• Unrealized Visions Can Inspire Future Successes: The shelving of 'Sher' didn't end Anil Sharma's spy film aspirations; it merely redirected them, leading to 'Hero: The Love Story of a Spy' with Sunny Deol and strengthening his bond with the Deol family.
• Dharmendra's Versatility Remains Legendary: The mere concept of him as a "desi James Bond" underscores his incredible range and ability to embody diverse roles, from action hero to romantic lead to a suave spy.
• Lost Films Offer Unique Historical Insights: Stories like 'Sher' provide invaluable glimpses into the creative ambitions and logistical challenges of past eras in cinema, enriching our understanding of film history and its many pathways not taken.

FAQ: Your Questions About Dharmendra's 'Sher' Answered

Q: What was 'Sher' about? A: 'Sher' was conceived as a James Bond-style spy thriller, featuring Dharmendra in a lead role as an Indian secret agent tasked "to save humanity!"

Q: Why was 'Sher' never released? A: The film was shelved due to "issues of the producers," according to director Anil Sharma, implying financial or logistical problems that prevented its completion.

Q: Who was involved in the production of 'Sher'? A: It was an Indo-Thai co-production between India's RSD International and Thailand's Alkemal. Anil Sharma was the director, Dharmendra was the star, Kader Khan wrote the dialogues, and the music was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

Q: Can I watch 'Sher' anywhere today? A: Unfortunately, no. The film was never completed or released, so there is no official version to watch. Only a few scenes and a song were ever shot.

Sources

• Entertainment Desk. "Anil Sharma on Dharmendra’s shelved James Bond-style spy thriller Sher: ‘Dharam ji did highly stylish action and lovely comedy scenes’". Indian Express. November 16, 2025. Link
• Patrika Desk. "Dharmendra's Unreleased Film: Poster Surfaces After 39 Years, Actor Seen Shirtless". Patrika. November 16, 2025. Link
• Entertainment Desk. "‘Give my makeup room to Dharmendra’: Anil Sharma recalls Raj Kapoor’s admiration for 'Sholay' star and his first meeting with Hema Malini and Dharamji". TOI. November 12, 2025. Link
• Richa Barua. "SHOCKING: Dharmendra's 7 films that were NEVER released!". Asianet Newsable. November 10, 2025. Link
• Yatamanyu Narain. "Anil Sharma Recalls Dharmendra’s Shelved Spy Film Sher: ‘He Was India’s James Bond’". News18.com. November 16, 2025. Link
• Team Indulge. "Did you know Dharmendra was supposed to star in a James Bond-style thriller titled Sher?". Indulgexpress. November 17, 2025. Link