Biswajit Chatterjee Says Dharmendra's Final Film Was 'Agniyug: The Fire'

Veteran actor Biswajit Chatterjee is returning to direction after more than four decades with his upcoming film Agniyug: The Fire, a project he says features the late Dharmendra in his final film role.

According to Chatterjee, Dharmendra appears in the film as freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai. The claim places Agniyug: The Fire after Ikkis, which had earlier been described as Dharmendra's last big-screen appearance.

Recalling the days following Dharmendra's death, Chatterjee said he went directly from the cremation ground to the family home, where Bobby Deol's son, Aryaman Deol, met him in tears. Chatterjee showed him a photograph and asked if he recognised the person in it. Aryaman identified his grandfather, noting that Dharmendra was in the same pose and costume as Lala Lajpat Rai. When Chatterjee told him it was his grandfather's last film, the young man initially refused to accept it. Bobby Deol, who was present, confirmed the project, recalling that he had stood outside while Chatterjee came to narrate the story to his father.

Chatterjee also spoke about how he persuaded Dharmendra to take up the part. The veteran actor was initially reluctant, saying he did not want to work at that point and had not yet understood the role. Chatterjee told him he had approached him because no one else could do justice to it, and appealed to his patriotism by describing the character as Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai. Dharmendra, taken aback, thought for a long time before agreeing.

Once on board, Dharmendra was deeply enthusiastic about the role and refused to use a stunt double, a decision Chatterjee said charged up the entire unit. He described the late actor as a "real jaat".

A release date for Agniyug: The Fire has not been announced. Actor Jackie Shroff is also reportedly set to appear in the film.

Chatterjee's own filmography includes titles such as Mere Sanam, Shehnai, Aasra, Night in London, Yeh Raat Phir Naa Aaygi, April Fool, Kismat, Do Kaliyan and Ishq Par Zor Nahin. He and Dharmendra had earlier shared screen space in the 1975 film Kahtey Hain Mujhko Raja.

Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a career of more than six decades. Remembered for his screen presence, gentle smile and versatility, he was counted among Indian cinema's most prominent actors, with classics such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Ayee Milan Ki Bela and Anupama to his name.