Director Sriram Raghavan Discloses Dharmendra's Refusal of 'Agent Vinod' Role Over Political Concerns
Following the success of their collaboration in the 2007 neo-noir thriller 'Johnny Gaddar,' acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan and legendary actor Dharmendra expressed a mutual desire to work together again. This shared aspiration ultimately materialized years later with the biographical war drama 'Ikkis,' which, poignantly, became Dharmendra's final cinematic appearance before his passing. However, a fascinating revelation has recently emerged about another potential project that never came to fruition.
The RAW Chief Role Originally Written for Dharmendra in 'Agent Vinod'
At a recent event organized by the Screenwriters Association (SWA), Sriram Raghavan provided detailed insights into the post-'Johnny Gaddar' period. He recounted how, after their initial film, he immediately expressed his wish to collaborate with Dharmendra again, to which the veteran actor enthusiastically agreed. When Raghavan commenced work on his 2012 spy action film 'Agent Vinod,' starring Saif Ali Khan, he specifically crafted a significant role with Dharmendra in mind.
The envisioned character was the head of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), with a narrative arc that would have paired him opposite the iconic Zeenat Aman, whose character was set in Russia. "It was an older and a younger story," Raghavan explained, highlighting the dynamic he aimed to create between the seasoned RAW chief and the younger field agent played by Saif Ali Khan.
Dharmendra's Firm Rejection Due to the India-Pakistan Narrative
Despite the role being meticulously written for him, Dharmendra ultimately declined the offer. Raghavan shared the pivotal conversation: "When I met him and told him about this role, he said, 'RAW, head, yaar, tum log wahi (you guys do that), it’ll be India, Pakistan, I don’t want to do it.'" The actor made it clear that he did not wish to be involved in a plot revolving around India-Pakistan tensions, a stance that Raghavan respected completely.
"He didn’t want to get involved in that; I said, 'I respect that.' Then, we didn’t pursue that track at all," the director added. This candid refusal led to the abandonment of that particular storyline, and the role was subsequently reworked or omitted from the final film.
Scheduling Conflicts and the Divine Intervention of 'Ikkis'
Raghavan further elaborated that, apart from the political reservations, logistical challenges also played a role in Dharmendra's non-participation in 'Agent Vinod.' The film's shooting schedules and diverse locations created conflicts that made it impractical for the actor to commit to what was intended as a cameo appearance. "We were shooting in different cities and had different schedules," Raghavan noted, describing the cameo as a selfish directorial wish to reunite with a cherished collaborator.
However, this setback paved the way for what Raghavan described as a "God-sent" opportunity. When the story for 'Ikkis'—a biopic of Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient—came his way, Raghavan immediately felt it was the perfect vehicle to bring Dharmendra back on screen. The film, produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and released in December 2025, featured Dharmendra in the poignant role of Arun's father, ML Khetarpal.
A Bittersweet Cinematic Reunion and Lasting Legacy
The journey from 'Johnny Gaddar' to 'Ikkis' encapsulates a narrative of professional admiration, creative differences, and eventual fulfillment. While Dharmendra's principled stand against the India-Pakistan angle in 'Agent Vinod' highlighted his selective approach to roles, his acceptance of 'Ikkis' underscored his commitment to projects with nationalistic and emotional depth.
This revelation not only sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Bollywood but also honors the legacy of Dharmendra, whose final performance in 'Ikkis' serves as a testament to his enduring impact on Indian cinema. The story of these missed and realized collaborations between Raghavan and Dharmendra remains a compelling chapter in film history, illustrating how artistic integrity and timing shape cinematic destinies.
