Utkarsh Sharma birthday: Dharmendra, Hema Malini's set surprise recalled
Synopsis
Filmmaker Anil Sharma's birthday post for son Utkarsh revealed a rarely seen moment: Dharmendra feeding cake to the young actor on set while Hema Malini looked on. The image is a quiet testament to a decades-long bond between two generations of Hindi cinema — and a reminder of how the Gadar franchise was built on something more personal than box-office math.
Key Takeaways
Anil Sharma shared an emotional social media post marking son Utkarsh Sharma 's birthday on 22 May .
The post featured an old photograph of Dharmendra feeding birthday cake to Utkarsh on a film set, with Hema Malini present.
Anil Sharma quoted Dharmendra's visit as a cherished memory, writing: 'Unka sneh, unka aashirvaad… hamesha tumhare saath rahega.' Utkarsh Sharma debuted as a child artist in 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' and reprised his role in 'Gadar 2' in 2023 .
Both 'Gadar' films were directed by Anil Sharma and became major box-office hits.
Filmmaker Anil Sharma marked his son and actor Utkarsh Sharma's birthday on 22 May by revisiting a cherished memory — the day veteran stars Dharmendra and Hema Malini arrived on set to personally bless the young actor on his special day. The emotional post, shared on social media, offered a rare glimpse into the warmth that binds one of Hindi cinema's most enduring off-screen friendships.
The Birthday Moment That Stood Still
In the photograph shared by Anil Sharma, Dharmendra is seen affectionately feeding birthday cake to Utkarsh Sharma, while Hema Malini stands alongside, beaming. Utkarsh, dressed in a black suit, and his father Anil complete the frame — a snapshot of generational warmth.
Alongside the picture, Anil Sharma wrote: 'I still cherish that precious moment when Dharam Ji, along with Hema Ji, came to bless you on your birthday. Unka sneh, unka aashirvaad… hamesha tumhare saath rahega.'
A Father's Heartfelt Wishes
Anil Sharma also penned a birthday message for Utkarsh in Hindi, which translates as: 'My dear son Utkarsh, may you reach every peak and every utkarsh in life just like your name. But more than success and heights, always preserve the goodness within you. Your kindness, humility, and values are your greatest strengths. These were their blessings, and ours too, mine and your mother's. Wishing you a very happy birthday, son. May God always keep you healthy, successful, happy, and bright.'
Decades of Bond Between Anil Sharma and Dharmendra
The friendship between Anil Sharma and Dharmendra spans decades, rooted in collaborative storytelling. The two joined forces for the emotional family drama 'Apne', which also featured Dharmendra's sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Over the years, Anil Sharma has spoken openly about his deep admiration for Dharmendra and a bond that extends well beyond the film set.
Utkarsh Sharma: From Child Artist to Franchise Star
Utkarsh Sharma first appeared on screen as a child artist in the blockbuster 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', playing 'Jeete' — the son of characters portrayed by Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel. In 2023, he reprised the beloved role in 'Gadar 2', directed once again by his father Anil Sharma. Both films proved to be major box-office successes, cementing the Sharma family's place in Hindi cinema's franchise history.
As Utkarsh steps into a new year, the blessings of Bollywood's golden era — embodied by Dharmendra and Hema Malini — remain, by his father's account, very much alive.
Point of View
But it points to something structurally interesting about the Gadar franchise: its success has always been inseparable from personal loyalty. Anil Sharma's decades-long relationship with Dharmendra was not just creative — it was familial. That Dharmendra and Hema Malini showed up on set for a child actor's birthday says as much about how that world operates as any box-office number. In an industry that often reduces legacy to nostalgia, this is a reminder that some of those bonds are genuinely lived-in.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Anil Sharma share the birthday post about Utkarsh Sharma?
Anil Sharma shared the post to mark his son Utkarsh Sharma's birthday on 22 May, recalling the special occasion when Dharmendra and Hema Malini visited the film set to bless the young actor. The post included an old photograph and an emotional message from father to son.
What is the connection between Anil Sharma and Dharmendra?
Anil Sharma and Dharmendra share a decades-long friendship rooted in cinema. They collaborated on the family drama 'Apne', which starred Dharmendra alongside his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and Anil Sharma has often spoken about his deep respect for the veteran star.
Who is Utkarsh Sharma and what films has he appeared in?
Utkarsh Sharma is an actor and the son of filmmaker Anil Sharma. He first appeared as a child artist in 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', playing the character 'Jeete', and reprised the role in the 2023 sequel 'Gadar 2', both directed by his father.
What did Anil Sharma write in his birthday message to Utkarsh?
Anil Sharma wrote a heartfelt message urging Utkarsh to reach every peak in life while preserving his kindness, humility, and values. He described these qualities as Utkarsh's greatest strengths and said the blessings of Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and his own family would always be with him.
