Sharmila Tagore reflects on memories of working with Dharmendra: We would have done 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' but...'

Sharmila Tagore is considered one of the greatest actresses in the film industry. Known for her flawless performances in both modern and traditional roles, she is now ready to make her comeback in the Bengali film industry after 14 years with Suman Ghosh's Puratawn.
Chupke Chupke's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Chupke Chupke marked its 50th anniversary in 2025, featuring Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Sharmila Tagore in pivotal roles. Recently, Sharmila shared her memories of working on the film.
Working with Dharmendra
In conversation with SCREEN, Sharmila spoke fondly about working with Dharmendra, with whom she shares a birthday. She reminisced about their collaborations in several films, including Anupama, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, and other popular hits from the 1960s like Devar and Mere Humdam Mere Dost. She mentioned that they were also supposed to reunite for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, but she had to step away from the project due to health concerns.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Vision and Influence
In the same conversation, she revealed that the film's success was largely due to director Hrishikesh Mukherjee's vision. She explained that the actors agreed to take part in the film mainly because of their respect for him. While Amitabh and Jaya had limited roles, they still participated, driven by their admiration for Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Sharmila also mentioned that the entire cast, including Dharmendra, Amitabh, Jaya, Om Prakash, Asrani, and Usha Kiran, came together to enjoy the experience.

Fun and Uncertainty on Set
In the same conversation, the veteran actress mentioned that even after five decades, she still vividly remembers every detail of Chupke Chupke. She recalled the fun atmosphere on set and explained how Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films, though not always easy to watch, were quite different in the case of Chupke Chupke. Sharmila shared that, having been part of more serious roles like in Anupama, she was excited when Hrishikesh proposed the idea of a fun film. She added that comedy always comes with uncertainty—what makes them laugh during shooting may not always resonate with the audience. However, Hrishikesh was confident that Chupke Chupke would be loved, and he was right. The film continues to be a go-to favorite whenever anyone needs a mood lift.
From playful disguises to poetic banter, 'Chupke Chupke' remains a comedy gem that never goes out of style. It is a film you return to like an old friend—comforting, hilarious, and full of heart.