Veteran actor and filmmaker Biswajit Chatterjee is marking his return to direction after over four decades with his upcoming project, Agniyug: The Fire. In a surprising revelation, Chatterjee has confirmed that the film features the late legendary actor Dharmendra in his final big-screen role. While many previously believed the film Ikkis would be the star’s swan song, Chatterjee insists that his project holds the true title of being the veteran actor’s last work, where he portrays the iconic freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai.
Chatterjee shared an emotional behind-the-scenes account of how he confirmed this detail with the Deol family. Following Dharmendra’s passing, he met with Bobby Deol and his son, Aryaman Deol. During this meeting, Chatterjee showed Aryaman a photograph of his grandfather in costume as Lala Lajpat Rai. When the young man was initially surprised, Bobby Deol stepped in to confirm the news, acknowledging that he had been present when Chatterjee first narrated the script to his father. The director noted that while Dharmendra was initially hesitant to step back in front of the camera, he was eventually swayed by the patriotic nature of the role.
Once he committed to the project, the legendary star reportedly brought his trademark intensity to the set. According to Chatterjee, Dharmendra was so dedicated to the role of the ‘Punjab Kesari’ that he insisted on performing his own stunts, refusing the help of a body double. The filmmaker praised the veteran’s enthusiasm, noting that his commitment inspired the entire crew. While the film also reportedly features Jackie Shroff, a formal release date for the project has yet to be announced.
Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, left behind an unparalleled legacy spanning over six decades. Known for his versatility and charm in classics like Sholay and Chupke Chupke, his final performance as Lala Lajpat Rai is expected to be a poignant tribute to his enduring career. Biswajit Chatterjee and Dharmendra previously shared the screen back in 1975 for the film Kahtey Hain Mujhko Raja, making this final collaboration a significant milestone in Indian cinema history.