Dharmendra Shot Till 4 AM For Ikkis Song: Choreographer Vijay Ganguly Calls Him 'Full Of Life'

When Dharmendra was shooting for Ikkis, nobody knew that, unfortunately, the film would be his last. Now that the actor is no more among us, his last film has become even more special, with everyone waiting

to watch the legendary actor on screen for the last time. But do you know that Dharmendra worked hard and even shot till 4 am for Ikkis?

In a recent interview, choreographer Vijay Ganguly opened up on working with Dharmendra for the Sriram Raghavan directorial. He shared that it was a moment of pride for him and remembered the 89-year-old actor as somebody who was “full of life”. “Shooting with Dharmendra was amazing as he was vibrant and full of life. He was awake till we completed the song at 4 am,” Ganguly told Mid-Day.

“It was a moment of nostalgia for both of us. Dharamji had done a film earlier with my father [filmmaker Anil Ganguly] called Dushman Devta [1991]. During the shoot, he remembered my father fondly. He told me he was a kind man and that he enjoyed working with him,” the choreographer added.

Earlier today, Agastya Nanda, who is also a part of Ikkis, also remembered Dharmendra and said, “We didn’t have many scenes together, but the time we did spend was unforgettable.” The young talent further recalled his first meeting with Dharmendra and shared that while he was very nervous about it, Dharmendra was very kind. “He never made you feel like he was a senior. He spoke to you like a friend,” Agastya said and described the late actor as warm, relaxed and surprisingly energetic on set.

Helmed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis shares the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal – India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Khetarpal took on the enemy head-on during the Battle of Basantar, destroying 10 Pakistani tanks before losing his life.

Sharing the trailer of Ikkis on social media, makers Maddock Films said, “Woh Ikkis Ka Tha, Ikkis Ka Hi Rahega! Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films present #Ikkis, an untold true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee – Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal directed by Sriram Raghavan. Share your #QissaAtIkkis because every legendary story starts young. In cinemas December 2025! (sic).”

Accompanying Agastya Nanda, the project will also see Simar Bhatia, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Deepak Dobriyal in significant roles, along with others.

Ikkis will hit theatres on January 1, 2026.