Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi shared his sorrow over the opportunity to collaborate with the legendary actor Dharmendra, whom he considers one of the finest in the industry and a remarkable person. The regret lingers, with Santoshi often reflecting on this lost chance. Sadly, Dharmendra passed away at the age of eighty-nine in November 2025. Recently, Santoshi had the privilege of directing Dharmendra's son, Sunny Deol, in 'Batwara 1947'.