Jaideep Ahlawat 'Felt A Void While Promoting Ikkis' Without Dharmendra: 'He Should Have Been With Us'

Ahead of Dharmendra’s passing last year, Jaideep Ahlawat had the opportunity to work with the legendary actor in Ikkis. The film marked Dharmendra’s last appearance on screen and will remain special because of this. Now, in a recent chat, Jaideep Ahlawat opened up about what it was like to shoot with Dharmendra.

In an interview with TOI, Jaideep Ahlawat said, “The whole country, I think, all cinema lovers, there was not a soul who didn’t feel bad. I felt a void while promoting Ikkis. I wish he were there, in all these promotions. He should have been with us to watch this film, to see his work.” He added, “So, anyway, this is a hollow hypothetical thought. It’s destiny, nothing can be done about it.”

Jaideep also shared, “You feel lucky to be part

of a project where the legend is there. I had a lot of fun working with him. Being with him, I never feel that you are working with such a great legend. He makes you feel like family. He was constantly cracking good jokes, making small one-liner jokes, reciting very beautiful poems, telling stories… Working with him has made me feel amazing.”

Previously, ahead of the film’s release, the actor had recalled, “I shared the most screen time with him, and the moment he used to come on set, he made everyone so comfortable. I have felt his hand holding mine, and I think I still do. One day, we were just sitting around and I was asking him questions when he suddenly kept his hand on my cheek and said, ‘Kinna sona munda hai’ (You’re such a good-looking guy). If Dharam ji thinks that, then I don’t care what the rest of the world says.”

“He got so much love because he used to give it back to everyone. There was a scene where I was driving, and we had to reshoot it a couple of times. At first, one of the ADs was helping, but then I insisted on doing it myself. Once we were done with the shot, Dharam ji looked at me and said, ‘Now you’ll get a driving licence.’ He was sick at that point, but he could still joke around. He was just amazing,” Jaideep further said.

Ikkis – Plot and Cast

Directed by the acclaimed Sriram Raghavan and produced by the visionary Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Ikkis tells the extraordinary true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, whose unparalleled courage during the 1971 Indo-Pak war has become a national symbol. The film stars Agastya Nanda alongside Simar Bhatia, as well as powerful performances by Jaideep Ahlawat and the late superstar Dharmendra, whose character adds emotional depth.