Ghayal turns 36: Sunny Deol pays tribute to late father Dharmendra
Synopsis
Six months after Dharmendra's passing, 'Ghayal' turning 36 carries an extra weight. Sunny Deol's Instagram tribute is a reminder that the film only existed because his father defied every producer who said no — a personal bet that became one of Hindi cinema's defining action classics.
Key Takeaways
Sunny Deol shared a video montage on Instagram honouring 'Ghayal' on its 36th anniversary , crediting his late father Dharmendra and director Rajkumar Santoshi .
Dharmendra personally produced 'Ghayal' after multiple producers declined to back it, and the film became one of Sunny Deol's biggest career hits.
Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89 in Mumbai , making this anniversary the first since his death.
Leading lady Meenakshi Seshadri recreated her song 'Maahiya Teri Kasam' to mark the occasion, calling the film 'a special place in my heart.' 'Ghayal' marked the directorial debut of Rajkumar Santoshi and featured Raj Babbar , Amrish Puri , and Om Puri in key roles.
Sunny Deol on Monday paid an emotional tribute to his late father and legendary actor Dharmendra as the cult action drama 'Ghayal' marked 36 years since its release. The actor took to his official Instagram handle to share a video montage of memorable scenes from the film, crediting his father's unwavering faith as the cornerstone of the movie's creation.
Sunny's Heartfelt Post
In a caption that resonated with fans across generations, Sunny wrote: 'Papa's belief and Raj's writing, made Ghayal possible. Your love made it immortal.' The tribute acknowledged both Dharmendra's personal conviction in his son's potential and director Rajkumar Santoshi's storytelling as the twin pillars that brought the film to life. Sunny also extended his gratitude to audiences whose enduring love has kept the film's legacy alive.
Dharmendra's Defining Gamble
The backstory of 'Ghayal' is as dramatic as the film itself. When multiple producers declined to back the project, Dharmendra stepped in to produce it himself — a decision that proved transformative for his son's career. The film went on to become one of the biggest commercial hits of 1990, cementing Sunny Deol's reputation as a leading man of Hindi cinema. Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89 at his Mumbai residence, making this anniversary particularly poignant.
Meenakshi Seshadri Joins the Celebration
The film's leading lady, veteran actress Meenakshi Seshadri, also marked the occasion by recreating her iconic number 'Maahiya Teri Kasam', showcasing her graceful dance moves in a clip she shared online. In her caption, she wrote: 'Today marks the 36th anniversary of Ghayal — a film that will always hold a special place in my heart. As I reconnect with Indian cinema after three decades, it feels especially meaningful to revisit this beautiful romantic song from the film.'
Seshadri further noted: 'Sunny Deol and I shared some unforgettable films together, and Dacait, Ghayal, and Ghatak each gave audiences a memorable romantic duet. This recreation is a celebration of those cherished memories and of the love you've shown us over the years.'
Cast and Legacy of Ghayal
'Ghayal' marked the directorial debut of Rajkumar Santoshi and featured Raj Babbar and Amrish Puri in pivotal roles. The supporting cast included Moushumi Chatterjee, Annu Kapoor, Om Puri, Sharat Saxena, and Sudesh Berry. The film's blend of high-octane action and emotional depth set a benchmark for the genre in early-1990s Bollywood. Three-and-a-half decades on, its anniversary continues to draw fresh engagement — a testament to its lasting cultural imprint.
Point of View
And Sunny's tribute doubles as a public grieving. What the post quietly underscores is a story mainstream coverage often skips: Dharmendra did not just believe in his son, he put his own money on the line when the industry wouldn't. That producer-father dynamic is rare, and 'Ghayal's enduring popularity is partly its legacy. Meenakshi Seshadri's simultaneous return, after three decades away from Hindi cinema, adds another layer — suggesting the film still carries enough cultural currency to anchor a comeback moment.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ghayal's 36th anniversary significant in 2025?
This anniversary is the first since the death of legendary actor and producer Dharmendra , who passed away on 24 November 2025 at age 89 . Sunny Deol's tribute carries added emotional weight as he publicly remembers his father's role in making the film possible.
Why did Dharmendra produce Ghayal himself?
Multiple producers reportedly refused to back the project, prompting Dharmendra to step in and produce 'Ghayal' himself. His faith in his son Sunny Deol paid off — the film became one of the biggest hits of 1990 and a landmark in Sunny's career.
Who directed Ghayal and who were the key cast members?
'Ghayal' was the directorial debut of Rajkumar Santoshi . The film starred Sunny Deol and Meenakshi Seshadri in the leads, with Raj Babbar , Amrish Puri , Om Puri , Moushumi Chatterjee , Annu Kapoor , Sharat Saxena , and Sudesh Berry in supporting roles.
What did Meenakshi Seshadri do to mark Ghayal's 36th anniversary?
Meenakshi Seshadri recreated her song 'Maahiya Teri Kasam' from the film, sharing a clip online. She described the anniversary as 'especially meaningful' as she reconnects with Indian cinema after more than three decades.
What did Sunny Deol write in his anniversary tribute?
Sunny Deol captioned his Instagram video montage: 'Papa's belief and Raj's writing, made Ghayal possible. Your love made it immortal.' The post credited both his father's conviction and director Rajkumar Santoshi's writing as the foundations of the film.
