Kanwar Dhillon, who essays the role of Sachin in Udne Ki Aasha, recently experienced one of the most moving moments of his career. The actor shot a special sequence dedicated to the legendary Dharmendra, and he describes the experience as emotional, overwhelming, and deeply personal.
Performing on the evergreen track Yamla Pagla Deewana, Kanwar says the intention behind the tribute was simple yet profound — to bring a smile to people’s faces and remind them of the man who touched countless hearts across generations.
“I really hope the audience and the entire world — because Dharmendra sir has fans everywhere — feel a little smile on their faces,” Kanwar shares. “I hope it reminds them of who he was and brings back fond memories of the legend who has left us.”
He credits the creative team, especially Rahul Tiwari, for conceptualising and executing the idea with such beauty and sincerity.
A Tribute Amidst Exhausting Schedules
The heartfelt sequence was filmed during one of the most demanding phases of shooting. Kanwar and his co-star Sailee had just wrapped ten consecutive night shifts when they were called early in the morning for this daylight shoot.
“I was completely sleep-deprived. I hadn’t slept at all. I just went home for a couple of hours and returned to set,” Kanwar recalls. Shooting under the blazing sun after continuous shifts was physically draining and mentally taxing. Yet, the warmth of the team and the final outcome made every bit of effort worthwhile.
Remembering Dharmendra’s Legacy
For Kanwar, the tribute was not just another performance — it was a moment of reflection.
“While doing it, I kept thinking about how big a man he was and how important he was to so many people. He inspired generations. To be celebrated even after you’re gone says everything about what kind of person you were,” he reflects.
The sequence also made him ponder on life and its impact: “Life is precious. You have to leave an impact while you’re living, so people celebrate you once you’re gone.”
Staying True to Dharamji’s Style
Kanwar was determined to retain Dharmendra’s original charm, especially his signature hook steps.
“We consciously decided to keep his iconic moves. Of course, you can never copy someone’s style to the T. Dharamji had his own magic. I just tried to maintain the stance, the body language, and most importantly, the joy he carried in everything he did,” Kanwar explains.
A Personal Connection
Kanwar has always admired Dharmendra, describing him as a man with “a heart of gold” and warmth that touched everyone around him. The tribute held even deeper meaning because of his father’s close bond with the veteran actor. Those cherished memories made the homage feel like a personal offering from Kanwar’s family as well.
Straight From the Heart
Calling the moment “truly special,” Kanwar hopes viewers will feel the love and sincerity behind the sequence created by the Udne Ki Aasha team.
“It was a small tribute, but it came straight from the heart. I hope people feel that when they watch it,” he says with emotion.
