Hindi cinema lost one of its most luminous pillars on November 24 with the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra, bringing the curtain down on a career that stretched across more than six extraordinary decades.
Revered not just for his iconic screen presence but also for his humility and warmth, Dharmendra remained passionately devoted to cinema till his final days, continuing to work even as age and illness caught up with him.
In recent years, the legendary actor had found renewed love from younger audiences through films like Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Yet, it is his last film, Ikkis, that now carries an unmatched emotional weight — not just as a cinematic project, but as a farewell.
A Film That Became A Personal Goodbye
Ikkis, slated to release theatrically on January 1, features Dharmendra alongside Agastya Nanda, grandson of his longtime friend and Sholay co-star Amitabh Bachchan. The film, directed by Sriram Raghavan, became Dharmendra’s final professional commitment — one he approached with the same sincerity and discipline that defined his entire career.
Recently, Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol shared a behind-the-scenes video from the sets, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the actor’s final days at work. The video, deeply moving in its simplicity, captures Dharmendra speaking with gratitude and grace. “I am extremely happy to be with Maddock Films. The team, the captain Sriram ji… the film is done in a very nice way. I think people in both India and Pakistan should watch it,” Dharmendra says in the clip, his voice calm yet full of emotion.
An Emotional Farewell On Set
One of the most touching moments from the video shows Dharmendra marking his last day of shooting by cutting a cake on set. Surrounded by co-actor Jaideep Ahlawat and director Sriram Raghavan, the veteran actor appears visibly emotional as he acknowledges that a chapter of his life is closing. “I am a bit sad today for the last day of shooting,” he admits softly.
In a moment that reflects his lifelong humility, Dharmendra concludes the video with words that feel almost like a benediction, “I love you all. Kuch kahi koi galti ho gayi ho toh uske liye kshama karna.”
Sunny Deol’s Tribute To His Father
Sharing the video, Sunny Deol penned a heartfelt note that resonated deeply with fans. “A smile that lit up the darkness. Generosity without limits. Love for my papa is deeply rooted in our hearts. He has blessed us with his final film, Ikkis. Let’s celebrate him in movie halls this New Year.”
The post was met with an outpouring of love, including emotional reactions from Dharmendra’s younger son Bobby Deol, who filled the comments section with red hearts.
A Legacy That Lives On
Originally planned for a December 25 release, Ikkis was later postponed to January 1, allowing audiences to begin the new year by celebrating the life and legacy of a man who shaped generations of Hindi cinema. For fans, the film is no longer just a release — it is a final opportunity to see Dharmendra on the big screen, doing what he loved most.
As Ikkis prepares to reach theatres, it carries with it the weight of farewell, gratitude, and remembrance — a fitting goodbye to a legend whose light will never fade.
